The heavy double wooden doors of the mansion swung wide open with great force.
Marcus stepped through the entrance, followed closely by two stern security guards.
He had forgotten his essential legal documents for the pending corporate merger today.
Instead of heading straight to the airport, his driver had turned the car back.
The moment he stepped into the foyer, he heard the sharp, distressing cries.
His sharp eyes scanned the large room, taking in the scene before him quickly.
He saw his wife standing over the infant, her face filled with residual anger.
He saw Elena standing nearby, her face marked by a fresh, dark bruise.
Marcus dropped his leather briefcase onto the floor without taking another step forward.
Marcus: What in the world is happening inside my house right now?
Victoria's aggressive posture melted away instantly into a look of absolute panic.
She tried to adjust her blue gown and forced a sweet, innocent smile.
Victoria: Darling, you came back so soon, the maid was just being very clumsy.
Marcus completely ignored her weak explanation and rushed across the foyer floor.
He dropped quickly to his knees on the cold marble beside his crying child.
He gently cradled the infant's small head and neck, lifting him carefully up.
Marcus: Daddy's here. Everything is safe.
The baby pressed against his chest, slowly calming down as Marcus held him close.
Marcus looked up at his wife, his warm expression transforming into deep concern.
He noticed the cold atmosphere and the evident fear present on Elena's face.
Marcus: Elena, tell me the truth right now about what just happened here.
Elena stepped forward, her body trembling slightly but her voice growing remarkably steady.
She pointed a shaking finger directly at the woman standing in the blue gown.
Elena: She hurts the child every single time you leave!
The words hung heavily in the air, shattering the quiet luxury of the room.
Marcus felt a surge of pure shock hit him like a physical blow.
He looked at his wife, searching her eyes for any sign of a denial.
Victoria's face turned completely pale as the security guards moved closer together.