The silence in the hallway was overwhelming as Arthur held his son and the brave young maid. Victoria stood near the archway, her knuckles white as she squeezed her designer handbag. Her plan to secure full control of the Vance family trust fund was falling apart in a matter of seconds, and she knew she had to act fast to save herself.
Victoria: Arthur, please be reasonable! You are making a huge mistake! I am your wife, and I only want what is best for this family!
Arthur stood up slowly, keeping Leo safely behind him while Clara remained by the boy's side. He looked at Victoria with cold, icy eyes that contained zero affection.
Arthur: You never cared about this family. You only cared about my money, my mansion, and the status my name gave you. But abusing my child is where your game ends.
Victoria: If you try to divorce me, I will take half of everything you own! My divorce lawyer will strip you of your estate, your luxury cars, and your corporate shares! You signed a contract!
Arthur pulled his phone out of his inner jacket pocket, his fingers tapping the screen with calm precision. He placed the phone to his ear, waiting for the call to connect while Victoria watched him with growing anxiety.
Arthur: Hello, Marcus? This is Arthur. I need my personal legal team at my mansion immediately. Also, call the police department. I am pressing charges for child abuse against my wife.
Victoria's eyes widened in sheer terror. She had not expected him to involve the police so quickly. Her confident posture vanished, replaced by a desperate, frantic energy as she realized her entire life of luxury was about to crumble into dust.
Victoria: You wouldn't dare! The scandal will ruin your business reputation! Think about the shareholders!
Arthur: My son's safety is worth more than every single dollar in my bank account. You are finished, Victoria.
While Arthur spoke on the phone, Clara gently checked Leo's arm where Victoria had grabbed him. Dark red marks were already forming on the boy's fair skin. Clara felt a fresh surge of anger, but she kept her voice calm and sweet so she wouldn't frighten the child any further.
Clara: Does it hurt right here, Leo? Let me get some ice from the kitchen.
Leo: Don't leave me, Clara. Please stay with me.
Clara: I am not going anywhere, sweetheart. I promise.
Victoria realized she was completely cornered. She turned around and made a run toward the grand staircase, intending to lock herself in the master bedroom to hide her personal documents and offshore financial accounts. But Arthur was much faster than her. He moved across the polished hall, blocking the bottom of the stairs with a stern look on his face.
Arthur: You aren't going anywhere until the officers arrive to take your statement, Victoria.