The grand ballroom filled with light from massive crystal chandeliers hanging overhead.
Wealthy guests walked across the polished marble floor while soft music played softly in the background.
Arthur stood near the main stage with his hands resting calmly in his suit pockets.
His young son Leo wore a tailored white suit that matched the high event decorations.
Three women dressed in silk gowns knelt down on the shiny floor next to the little boy.
They tried to fix his tie while smiling for the photographers nearby.
Leo looked around the large room with nervous eyes and pulled at his collar.
He did not like the loud noises or the bright cameras flashing in his face.
Arthur watched his son from a short distance away while talking to a business partner.
Arthur: He is still shy around large groups of people.
Victoria: He will get used to our life soon enough.
Victoria stepped forward in her bright crimson dress and smiled at Arthur.
She was set to marry Arthur in a few short weeks after a quiet engagement.
The family estate and large inheritance were major topics among the guests present that evening.
Leo suddenly pulled back from the three women kneeling near him on the floor.
His little shoes made a sharp sound as he broke away from their hands.
Victoria: Leo, stop running right now!
The little boy did not stop or turn back toward the wealthy guests.
He sprinted across the slippery marble floor as fast as his small legs could carry him.
Guests dropped their drinks in surprise as the boy passed by their tables.
Arthur: Leo! Come back here right now!
Clara stood near the side wall holding a silver tray loaded with clean glasses.
She wore a simple dark maid uniform that stood out against the fancy dresses.
She froze when she saw the small boy running directly toward her position.
Leo threw his arms around her waist and squeezed his eyes shut tight.
Leo: Mommy...
Clara dropped her silver tray onto the floor with a loud crash of glass.
She fell to her knees and wrapped her arms tightly around the crying child.
Tears began to stream down the little boy's face onto her plain dark uniform.
Clara: I am here, sweet boy. You are safe.
Arthur walked toward them quickly with a deeply confused expression on his face.
The entire ballroom became silent as everyone turned to watch the scene unfold.