The silence of the large hallway was suddenly broken by a loud bang.
The front double doors burst open as daylight poured into the room.
Arthur Miller stepped inside early from his business trip after forgetting important files.
He stopped instantly when his eyes locked onto the shocking scene before him.
Arthur saw his stepmother holding a leash attached to the tiny boy.
His face grew pale before turning bright red with intense fury.
Arthur dropped his leather briefcase onto the hardwood floor with a heavy thud.
He sprinted down the long hallway toward his crying child with fast footsteps.
Evelyn froze in total surprise as she saw her stepson rushing toward her.
Arthur dropped to his knees right beside the frightened little boy.
He quickly unhooked the harsh strap from the child's small jacket using quick fingers.
American Man: Hey, hey... you're safe now.
American Man: I’m here, buddy. It's okay.
The child wrapped his tiny arms around Arthur's neck, still sniffling softly.
Arthur lifted the baby gently into his arms, holding him close to his chest.
He rocked the child back and forth while standing up to face the two women.
Clara rose from the floor with tear-stained cheeks and shaking shoulders.
She pointed her finger directly at the wealthy older woman without fear anymore.
Baby's Mom: She hurts my baby every time you turn your back!
Old Lady: That is a lie! I was simply trying to discipline him!
Baby's Mom: You treat him terribly because you hate that Arthur cares for us!
Old Lady: Silence, you ignorant girl!
Arthur's expression turned grim and strict as he glared at his stepmother.
He could hardly believe the woman who raised him was capable of such coldness.
The truth hit him like a heavy brick as he remembered past unexplained bruises.
He had trusted Evelyn to manage the household while he managed the family business.
Now he saw her true nature displayed right in front of his eyes.
Arthur held his son tighter, feeling deep guilt for not noticing sooner.
Evelyn tried to straighten her dress and adjust her elegant gray hair.
She attempted to put on a fake smile to manipulate her wealthy stepson once again.
Arthur stepped forward while keeping his arm securely around the safe child.
He pointed his free hand firmly toward the massive open doorway.
American Man: Get out of my house before I ruin your life!
Old Lady: You can't talk to me like that!
Old Lady: I am the matriarch of this estate!
American Man: You are nothing to this family anymore!
Evelyn gasped in anger as her status and authority shattered in a single second.