Elena: *Crying hysterically* Stop it! Stop hitting me, Richard! People will hear!
Richard: I don't give a damn who hears! Let the whole world know what kind of monster you are!
Elena: *Screaming* You're ruining our social standing over a brat!
Richard: *Consecutive sharp slap impacts echo through the foyer* That brat is my daughter, and you are a cold-blooded killer!
Richard struck her repeatedly across the face in a blind, furious rage, his self-control completely fractured by the horror of the near-tragedy[cite: 1]. Elena cowered beneath his blows, her elegant green gown twisting around her legs as she slid down against the railing[cite: 1]. Every strike carried the weight of a father's protective agony and a betrayed husband's righteous vengeance[cite: 1].
Elena: *Sobbing in pain* My face... you ruined my face!
Richard: You tried to ruin a little girl's entire life before it even began!
Clara: *Watching quietly from the floor* Please, Mr. Richard... focus on the baby. She's still terrified.
Richard stopped his assault instantly at the sound of the maid's voice, shaking as he dragged a hand across his face[cite: 1]. He looked over at Clara, who was rocking the sobbing toddler gently against her chest in the background, providing the warmth and safety Elena had tried to destroy[cite: 1]. The contrast between the loyal maid and the vicious stepmother cut deep into his soul[cite: 1].
Richard: I'm so sorry you had to see this, Clara. Thank you for saving her life.
Clara: I'd give my life for her, sir. You know that.
Elena: *Spitting blood from her lip* You're going to regret this, Richard. You'll lose everything in the divorce court.
Richard: Divorce court? Oh, no, Elena. You aren't just getting a divorce; you're getting a one-way ticket to a maximum-security prison cell.