Arthur stood up slowly from the floor while staring straight at Clara.
His tall frame towered over the bottom section of the grand staircase.
Clara tried to fix her face into a gentle, worried expression instantly.
She walked down two steps while reaching out her manicured hands toward Arthur.
Clara: Arthur, darling, you must listen to my side of the story.
Arthur: Do not come any closer to me or my child right now.
Clara: The boy was playing near the stairs and misbehaved terribly.
Victoria: That is a complete lie, Mr. Vance, I saw everything clearly.
Clara turned her head sharply toward Victoria with a harsh, dangerous scowl.
Her smooth forehead creased with deep hatred for the loyal house servant.
Clara: You will be fired for lying about your employer, Victoria!
Arthur: Victoria has served this house with complete honesty for five years.
Clara: So you believe a simple servant over your own lawful wife?
Arthur: I believe the terror in my young son's crying eyes.
Arthur gently put his broad hand on Leo's small, trembling shoulder.
He looked at Victoria and nodded with deep gratitude in his eyes.
Arthur: Victoria, please take Leo up to his room and call our family doctor.
Victoria: Right away, Mr. Vance, I will care for him carefully.
Victoria picked up the little boy gently into her strong protective arms.
She walked past Clara without giving the arrogant woman a single glance.
Leo buried his tear-stained face into Victoria's shoulder as they walked away.
Clara watched them leave while grinding her back teeth together in frustration.
She turned back to Arthur and smoothed down her green silk dress.
Clara: You are letting that servant turn you against me, Arthur.
Arthur: I am asking myself why my son is terrified of you.
Clara: Because he misses his late mother and hates my presence here!
Arthur walked toward his large mahogany office at the end of hall.
He paused near the heavy wooden door and looked back over his shoulder.
Arthur: We will discuss this entire matter in my office, Clara.
Clara followed him into the spacious office with an arrogant, tall posture.
She believed her charm and influence could solve any difficult problem easily.
Arthur sat down behind his massive dark wood desk without offering her a seat.
He opened his leather briefcase and pulled out a thick legal file envelope.
Arthur: My late wife's estate settlement is being finalized this week.
Clara: Why are you bringing up financial estate matters right now?
Arthur: Because you asked my divorce lawyer about my trust fund yesterday.
Clara's face froze for a fraction of a second in visible shock.
She quickly tried to recover her calm, sophisticated demeanour with a smile.
Clara: I was only asking to ensure our family's future security.
Arthur: My son's inheritance is protected by a strict family trust fund.
Clara: I am your wife now, Arthur, I deserve full equal access!
Arthur leaned back in his leather chair and folded his large hands.
His keen business mind was beginning to see through her hidden motives.
He realized Clara had married him shortly after his late wife passed.
She had pushed for quick marriage papers and control over household staff.
Arthur: You seem more interested in the money than in my son.
Clara: How can you say such terrible, hurtful words to me?
Arthur: Because my son was nearly severely injured on those stairs today.
Clara walked over to the large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the yard.
She crossed her arms tightly and looked out at the green lawn.
Her mind was racing to figure out her next strategic move quickly.
She knew she needed to get rid of Victoria before the maid spoke more.