David rushed up the wooden steps toward the top landing quickly.
His heart beat wildly in his chest as anger filled his mind.
He stopped right in front of Victoria on the wide top platform.
David: Victoria, tell me the exact truth right now!
Victoria: I am telling you the truth! Maya is exaggerating everything!
Maya: Look at his red hands, Dad! He was terrified of her!
David looked down at his daughter holding the trembling little boy.
Leo was still sobbing heavily into Maya's yellow polo shirt.
David turned back to Victoria with intense disappointment in his eyes.
David: He was at the bottom of the stairs when I left!
David: Why were you standing right above him without calling me?
Victoria: I was walking down to get my morning tea!
Victoria: He started climbing and slipped before I could reach down!
Maya: That is not what happened! She stood there watching him!
Victoria's face flushed with anger as she glared at the teenager.
Victoria: You have tried to ruin my marriage since the wedding day!
Victoria: David, are you really questioning your wife over a kid?
David looked closely at Victoria's calm and defensive facial expression.
He noticed that she showed zero concern for the crying child below.
She was only worried about defending her own standing and status.
David: A child was hurt in my house, Victoria!
David: You don't even care if Leo is okay right now!
Victoria: Because he is completely fine! He is just dramatic!
David raised his voice in total outrage at her cruel remark.
David: He is a baby! He does not act dramatic!
Victoria: You are letting your spoiled daughter control this home!
Maya: I care about my brother! You only care about yourself!
Victoria: Be quiet, Maya! You don't know anything about adult life!
David stepped directly between Victoria and his two vulnerable children.
David: Do not speak to my daughter like that ever again!
Victoria: Then teach her some respect for the lady of this house!
David: You are not acting like a lady right now, Victoria.
Victoria gasped loudly while placing her hand over her chest dramatically.
The air inside the grand foyer felt icy cold and tense.