Julian Vance stepped inside the grand foyer carrying his black leather briefcase.
He wore a sharp dark suit that looked expensive and neat.
His face looked tired from a long day at the corporate office.
The heavy front doors swung open with a dull thud sound.
He stopped moving as soon as he saw his small child.
The baby had crawled out of the low crib onto the floor.
The tiny boy was crying loudly on the cold marble tiles.
Elena was kneeling right beside the child on her wet hands.
Her eyes were full of tears as she looked up at Julian.
Julian dropped his heavy briefcase onto the hard floor immediately.
Julian: What is going on in this house right now?
Victoria: Julian darling, you are home early from your big meeting!
Julian: Why is my infant son crying on the floor?
Julian walked swiftly across the room with long quick steps.
His dark eyes narrowed as he looked down at the scene.
Victoria hurried down the hallway with a strange nervous smile.
She smoothed her silk dress with her long manicured fingers.
Victoria: The maid dropped him while cleaning the high table.
Elena: That is a lie! I did not drop him!
Victoria: Be quiet, Elena! How dare you talk back to us!
Julian quickly knelt down on the hard checkered floor tiles.
He picked up the small crying baby in his strong arms.
He pulled the little boy close against his soft suit jacket.
The baby rested his small head against Julian's wide chest.
Julian patted the baby's back with great gentleness and care.
His eyes softened for a moment as the child calmed down.
Then he looked back up at the young maid kneeling below.
Elena looked terrified as she pulled her hands back tightly.
Her face showed faint red marks from constant stress and fear.
Elena: Please, sir, you have to listen to me!
Julian: I am listening very carefully right now, Elena.
Victoria: Do not listen to her lies, Julian! Fire her immediately!
Julian stood up slowly while holding his precious son close.
His face turned cold as he turned to look at Victoria.
Victoria took a quick breath and backed away a few steps.
She looked pale and extremely nervous under his dark gaze.
Julian looked down at Elena once again with deep concern.
He noticed the small dark mark on the baby's arm.
His eyes opened wide with sudden shock and deep surprise.
He reached down with one hand and grabbed Elena's apron collar.
He did not pull hard, but his grip was firm.
Julian: Tell me everything right now, or you won't see another day!
Elena: I did not hurt your sweet son, Mr. Vance!
Julian: Then who put this dark mark on his arm?
Elena pointed a shaking finger directly at Victoria's nervous face.
Victoria gasped loudly and shook her head in total denial.
Victoria: She is trying to blame me for her mistake!
Elena: Check the security cameras in the hallway, sir!
The whole room became very quiet for three long seconds.
Julian turned his head slowly to look at the ceiling.
A tiny black camera lens was hidden behind the molding.