Arthur stared at his wife, whose hand was still raised in the air, and then looked down at his crying son huddled on the cold floor with the maid. The blood drained from his face before rushing back in a wave of pure, unfiltered fury. He marched rapidly down the long hallway, his polished leather shoes striking the hardwood floor like heavy thunder. The air in the house grew instantly thick with tension.
Arthur: What is the meaning of this?!
Victoria quickly pulled her hand back, her face instantly shifting from malicious anger to a fake, practiced look of innocent distress. She took a step back, adjusting her hair as if she were the victim in the situation.
Victoria: Arthur darling! Thank goodness you are home! This incompetent maid was trying to turn your son against me! I was simply trying to discipline him after he destroyed my outfit!
Arthur: Shut your mouth, Victoria! I heard everything from the front door!
Arthur pushed past her, stepping directly into her personal space. He pointed his finger straight at her face, his body trembling with intense rage. The powerful CEO, who commanded respect in corporate boardrooms across the country, looked like a furious father ready to burn down the world to protect his bloodline.
Arthur: If you ever lay a finger on my son again, you will answer to me!
Victoria gasped, taking a step backward until her back hit the hallway wall. She had never seen Arthur look so dangerous. For months, she had carefully manipulated him, convincing him that she was a loving stepmother while he was away at work. But the thin mask had finally fallen off, exposing her true nature completely.
Victoria: You are taking the word of a common maid over your own wife? She is lying to you! She wants to ruin our marriage!
Arthur: I have eyes, Victoria! I saw you dragging him! I saw Clara shielding him with her own body while you raised your hand!
Arthur turned his back on Victoria, completely dismissing her presence. He knelt down on the hardwood oak floor right next to Clara and Leo. The sharp contrast between his expensive tuxedo and the dusty floor did not matter to him at all. His eyes were soft as he looked at his terrified son, who was still clutching Clara's apron.
Arthur: Leo, look at me, buddy. Daddy is home now.
Leo slowly turned his head, his big blue eyes filled with tears and fear. He reached out one small hand toward his father, but kept his other hand tightly gripped on Clara's sleeve.
Leo: Daddy... Clara saved me. She didn't let her hurt me.
Arthur felt a lump form in his throat. He looked at Clara, seeing the determination and protection in her hazel eyes. She had put her entire livelihood on the line to keep his son safe from harm. He wrapped his long arms around both Clara and Leo, pulling them both into a tight, secure embrace right there under the grand flag painting on the wall.
Arthur: I'm here now. I will protect both of you. I swear it.