Elena sprinted faster down the bright marble hallway, her black shoes squeaking on the floor.
She reached Victoria and dropped directly to her knees in front of the frightened boy.
Elena wrapped her arms around Leo, shielding his small body completely from his stepmother.
Leo buried his tear-stained face into Elena's soft cotton apron and sobbed uncontrollably.
Elena: Don't you dare touch him ever again!
Victoria: Unhand him immediately, you low-class servant!
Elena: I will never let you hurt this sweet boy!
Victoria lifted her hand angrily, her face red with extreme rage.
Victoria: I pay your salary, and I can destroy your life with one phone call!
Elena: Fire me if you want, but you will not harm Arthur's son!
Leo held onto Elena's dress tightly, shaking from head to toe with terrible fear.
Victoria stepped forward aggressively, attempting to pull Leo away from Elena's tight protective hug.
Elena shifted her weight, standing tall between the wealthy woman and the little child.
Elena: Help me please! Someone call for help!
The heavy front double doors of the mansion suddenly swung wide open with a loud thud.
Arthur Sterling walked into the foyer, holding a dark leather briefcase in his right hand.
He had returned home early from his business meeting to surprise his beloved son.
Arthur stopped dead in his tracks as he heard the frantic shouting in the hallway.
His sharp eyes widened as he saw the scene unfolding near the grand staircase.
Arthur: What on Earth is happening here?!
Victoria immediately changed her expression, dropping her hands to her sides in mock shock.
She wiped an imaginary tear from her eye and adjusted her light-blue gown quickly.
Victoria: Oh, Arthur darling! Thank goodness you are finally home!
Victoria: This crazy maid was just trying to attack me and take your boy!
Elena remained on her knees, keeping her arms wrapped securely around the young child.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, that is a complete lie and you know it!
Elena: She was dragging Leo and causing him terrible physical pain!
Arthur dropped his heavy leather briefcase onto the shiny marble floor with a loud boom.
He walked rapidly down the hallway, his face dark with immense and growing anger.
He looked down at his young son, who was crying uncontrollably in Elena's arms.
Arthur saw the red marks left on Leo's small wrist where Victoria had pulled him.
The wealthy billionaire felt his blood run cold as the terrible truth hit him instantly.