Leo turned his head slowly as the catering server approached his side of the table.
He looked at her hands as she carefully set down a fresh serving platter.
On her left wrist, just beneath her sleeve, was a small crescent-shaped birthmark.
Leo had seen that exact mark in old bedtime photos every single night before sleep.
His eyes opened wide with sudden recognition and overwhelming hope.
He dropped his silver fork onto his plate with a sharp clatter.
Without warning, the little boy jumped down from his high chair and sprinted forward.
His small dress shoes made loud thumping noises across the polished floor.
He ran past three confused servers and headed straight for Sarah.
Sarah turned around in surprise as the small child crashed right into her waist.
Leo wrapped his arms desperately around her apron and refused to let go.
Boy: Mommy! Don't let her take me!
Sarah froze on the spot as a cold shock ran through her entire body.
She lowered her silver tray to a nearby tray stand before she could drop it.
She knelt on the hard marble floor and pulled Leo into a tight embrace.
Sarah: Leo, my baby... I am right here.
The surrounding gala guests stopped talking instantly and turned around in shock.
Silverware dropped onto china plates across the entire banquet room.
Victoria stood up from her seat at the head table with a furious expression.
Her face twisted with absolute rage as she saw the servant hugging the boy.
Arthur stood up quickly too, his face pale as he stared at the woman on the floor.
He recognized the soft voice that he had missed for three long years.
Victoria marched aggressively across the floor in her heavy high heels.
She raised her hand with open fingers, intending to strike Sarah across the face.
Stepmother: Get away from him, you filthy thief!
She swung her arm through the air with all the force she had.
Sarah squeezed her eyes shut and held Leo tightly against her chest to shield him.
The entire room gasped as Victoria's arm cut through the bright air.