The tall grandfather clock in the hallway ticked away the quiet morning seconds.
Clara moved closer to Leo, trying to shield him with her own body.
Clara: Mrs. Wilmont, Mr. Wilmont will be returning upstairs in just a few minutes.
Victoria: Do not use my husband's name to scare me, Clara.
Victoria: This house belongs to me now, and so does his entire fortune.
Leo: This was my mommy's house first!
Victoria took a quick step toward the frightened boy near the top step.
Her long white dress brushed against the smooth edge of the polished marble stairs.
Victoria: You need to keep your mouth shut, you little brat.
Clara: Ma'am, please step back from the top of the stairs!
Before Clara could grab Leo's arm, Victoria shoved the boy with sudden force.
Leo: Help!
Leo lost his balance instantly on the slick surface of the marble floor.
He tumbled down the wide staircase, hitting the steps with terrible loud thuds.
Clara screamed in total horror as she watched the young boy fall down.
His papers flew wildly into the air, scattering across the empty grand entrance.
Leo landed heavily at the bottom of the long staircase on his side.
Victoria stood at the top, calmly smoothing down her bright white dress.
Victoria: Accidents happen so easily in big houses, Clara.
Clara rushed down the steps as fast as her legs could carry her.
She dropped to her knees beside the crying child on the cold floor.
Clara: Leo! Oh sweet boy, tell me where it hurts!
Leo: My arm... my arm hurts so bad, Clara!
Clara pulled the sobbing boy into her arms, cradling his small head gently.
She looked up at the top landing with fiery rage in her eyes.
Clara: Don't you ever dare to touch him again!
Victoria: Nobody will ever believe the words of a low-paid maid, Clara.
Victoria: He tripped over his own loose shoes like the clumsy brat he is.
Clara: You pushed him on purpose because you want his inheritance!
Victoria: Watch your mouth before I fire you and throw you out today!
Clara held Leo tightly, wiping the hot tears off his bruised cheeks.
She knew that she had to protect this child no matter what happened.
Suddenly, the massive front double doors swung open with a dramatic bang.
Arthur Wilmont walked in, flanked by two armed police officers in uniform.
Mr. Wilmont: What is going on here?