Arthur stared in complete disbelief at his wife, the maid, and his sobbing son.
Heavy running footsteps echoed across the bright foyer as Arthur rushed forward in rage.
Father: What is happening here right now?!
Victoria froze in place, her face instantly draining of all its former color.
She quickly lowered her hand and tried to put on a smooth, calm smile.
Stepmother: Arthur dear, you came back so early!
Stepmother: I was just trying to discipline Leo for being disobedient to me.
Father: Step away from my son this instant!
Arthur moved past Victoria and immediately dropped down to his knees on the marble floor.
He took Leo into his arms, feeling his son trembling against his navy suit jacket.
Father: Leo, are you alright?
Father: What happened to you, son?
Leo looked up at his father with big, tear-filled eyes, clutching the silver locket tight.
Little Boy: Daddy, she tried to take mommy's locket away from me!
Little Boy: Elena protected me when she tried to lock me in the dark!
Arthur turned his gaze toward Victoria, his jaw clenched in absolute fury and shock.
Victoria backed away toward the wall, shaking her head rapidly in desperate denial.
Stepmother: He is lying, Arthur!
Stepmother: The maid is turning him against me!
Maid: Sir, I have worked here for five years and never lied to you once.
Maid: Check the security cameras in the hallway if you doubt my words.
Victoria's eyes widened in sheer panic at the mention of the security cameras.
She had forgotten that Arthur installed high-definition cameras throughout the main hallways last year.
Arthur stood up slowly, pointing a stern finger directly at his hysterical wife.
Father: Do not move an inch, Victoria.
Father: We are going to look at the footage right now in my office.