David Sterling stepped through the tall oak front doors of his estate.
The bright sun shone through the tall windows onto the marble floor.
He expected the house to be peaceful on a Tuesday afternoon.
Instead, the sound of loud crying echoed down the grand hallway.
David dropped his leather briefcase onto a chair near the entry table.
He walked quickly toward the source of the emotional noise.
His young son Leo was crying hysterically near the staircase.
The family nanny Sarah was on her knees beside the baby.
She held the boy in her arms and tried to calm him down.
David noticed that Sarah was trembling uncontrollably.
Her face looked pale and full of pure exhaustion.
David: Sarah, what is going on here right now?
Sarah looked up at him with tears filling her eyes.
Sarah: I am so glad you came home early today, sir.
David: Why is Leo crying so hard like this?
Sarah: Mrs. Sterling was packing bags in the nursery upper room.
David felt a cold pit form in his stomach immediately.
David: Packing bags for what reason, Sarah?
Sarah: She said she was taking Leo away to the city.
David: She cannot do that without speaking to me first.
Sarah: I tried to tell her that, but she got angry.
David gently took his crying son into his own arms.
He pressed the small boy close to his chest safely.
Leo began to quiet down as soon as he felt his father.
David: Where is Eleanor right now?
Sarah: She walked toward the back office just a minute ago.
David looked down at Sarah with deep concern in his eyes.
David: Are you okay, Sarah?
Sarah: She raised her voice at me and pushed past me.
David: Nobody should treat you like that in my home.
Sarah: I was only trying to follow your instructions, sir.
David stood up while holding Leo tightly against his shirt.
He felt a strong sense of anger rising inside his chest.
His marriage with Eleanor had been strained for many months.
However, he never imagined she would try to leave secretly.
David: Stay here with Leo for one moment while I check.
Sarah: Please be careful, Mr. Sterling, she is very upset.
David handed the baby back to Sarah with great care.
He adjusted his jacket and walked down the long corridor.
The heels of his shoes clicked loudly on the hard floor.
He approached the double doors leading into his private office.
The door was slightly open, revealing a bright line of light.
He heard the sound of papers being shuffled inside quickly.
David pushed the heavy wooden door open with firm intent.
Eleanor was standing by the large wooden desk searching drawers.
She spun around with a shocked expression on her face.
Eleanor: David, what are you doing home at this hour?
David: I should ask you the very same question, Eleanor.
Eleanor: I was just looking for my passport in your desk.
David: Sarah said you were packing bags for my son.
Eleanor laughed softly, but her eyes looked nervous and sharp.
Eleanor: You always listen to that girl over your wife.
David: She was holding a terrified baby on the floor.
Eleanor: Leo was just fussy because he missed his nap time.
David: Do not lie to me about what happened here.
Eleanor closed the top drawer of the desk with a slam.
Eleanor: I have nothing to hide from you, David Sterling.
David: Then explain why your bags are packed upstairs right now.