The massive front doors clicked shut, echoing loudly through the grand entrance hallway.
The moment Arthur's car pulled out of the driveway, Victoria turned back toward Leo.
Her warm smile melted into a look of bitter hatred that frightened the young boy.
"Go upstairs to your bedroom right now," Victoria commanded coldly.
Leo held his toy train tightly against his chest and walked toward the grand staircase.
Clara watched from the hallway corner while pretending to wipe down a bronze picture frame.
She knew that Victoria's cruel behavior was growing worse with every passing day.
Victoria followed closely behind Leo as the small boy climbed the wide marble stairs.
"You walk far too slowly, just like your mother did," Victoria spat maliciously.
Leo paused on the top staircase landing, his lower lip trembling with fear.
"My mommy was nice to everyone," Leo said bravely in a small, shaky voice.
Victoria's eyes narrowed into sharp slits as she stepped right up to the child.
"Your mother is gone, and this house belongs to me now," Victoria whispered harshly.
Clara felt a wave of anger wash over her as she hurried toward the main stairs.
She could see Victoria leaning over the boy in a threatening and menacing way.
"Leave the child alone, Mrs. Wilmossen!" Clara called out boldly from the ground floor.
Victoria ignored Clara's plea completely and glared down at the fragile young child.
She reached out her hand maliciously near the edge of the steep marble drop-off.
"Accidents happen so easily in big houses like this," Victoria hissed with a cruel smile.
She gave the young boy a harsh and direct shove near the top step landing.
Leo gasped loudly in terror as he lost his balance completely on the slick marble edge.
"Help me, Clara!" Leo screamed as he stumbled backward toward the open air.
Clara gasped in horror and immediately lunged up the stairs with every ounce of speed she possessed.