The echo of the double doors slamming open froze every single guest in the ballroom[cite: 1]. Ethan Sterling strode into the grand hall beneath the framed American flag, looking imposing and powerful in an aristocratic burgundy velvet tailcoat, black bowtie, and dark trousers[cite: 1]. Behind him marched four estate security guards in full uniform[cite: 1].
Victoria's hands dropped to her voluminous pink silk skirt, her psychotic glare melting into a sudden mask of fake innocence[cite: 1].
Victoria: Ethan, darling! Thank God you're home early! It was an accident![cite: 1]
Clara: Sir, she tried to throw your baby onto the marble floor![cite: 1]
Victoria: Don't listen to this filthy girl, Ethan! The maid lunged at me and knocked Toby out of my hands!
Clara: You threw him overhand with both arms! You screamed that you wanted to get rid of him![cite: 1]
Ethan didn't say a word as his leather boots clicked loudly across the polished marble[cite: 1]. His jaw was clenched so hard the muscles in his neck jumped[cite: 1]. He looked down at Clara, whose knees were bruised and bleeding from her desperate slide[cite: 1].
Ethan: Clara... is my son breathing?
Clara: Yes, sir. He's terrified, but I caught him before his head struck the stone[cite: 1].
Victoria: Ethan, look at me! I am your fiancee! We are signing our marriage certificate this Friday!
Ethan turned his head slowly toward Victoria[cite: 1]. The fury in his dark eyes burned hot enough to scorch the air[cite: 1].
Ethan: Did you touch my boy, Victoria?
Victoria: The baby was slipping, Ethan! The silk swaddle was too slick!
Clara: That swaddle is coarse cotton, Mr. Sterling! She stood right under the flag and shouted that she wanted him gone![cite: 1]
Victoria: Shut up, you worthless orphan! Ethan, fire this woman immediately!
Blazing with unstoppable paternal fury, Ethan stepped forward beneath the grand American flag[cite: 1]. Without a second of hesitation, he raised his heavy right hand and unleashed two vicious, explosive, full-force slaps straight across Victoria's face[cite: 1].
The loud, sharp cracks echoed off the high ceiling like gunshots, snapping Victoria's head violently from side to side before she collapsed hard onto the marble floor[cite: 1].
Ethan: GET OUT OF MY SIGHT![cite: 1]
Victoria let out a loud sob of agony, clutching her swollen, red cheek as she sprawled across her rumpled pink diamond gown[cite: 1].
Victoria: You hit me?! In front of the entire corporate board?!
Ethan: You'll spend the rest of your life in prison![cite: 1]
Ethan dropped to his knees on the marble floor beside Clara[cite: 1]. He reached out his broad, trembling hands, wrapping his arms around both the brave waitress and his weeping baby in a tight, protective embrace[cite: 1].
Ethan: Thank you for saving my son, you are both safe now[cite: 1].
Toby's frantic crying softened into small, shuddering whimpers against Clara's chest[cite: 1]. Ethan took a deep, shaky breath, pressing a gentle kiss to his baby's soft forehead[cite: 1].
Victoria: Ethan... please! Think about our family business! Think about the merger!
Ethan: The only thing you will ever merge with, Victoria, is a state penitentiary cell.
Ethan looked up at the head of security standing by the double doors[cite: 1].
Ethan: Miller! Seal every exit in this mansion right now!
Miller: Right away, Mr. Sterling! Nobody leaves the property!
Victoria tried to scramble backward on her hands and knees, but the heavy train of her Victorian dress tangled around her legs[cite: 1].
Victoria: You have no proof of anything! It's the word of a common maid against a Vance family heiress!
Ethan: We don't need her word, Victoria. We have your confession on camera.