Clara: Richard... look at this screen right now.
Richard: I don't need to look at anything, Clara! I walked in here and saw you screaming at my mother!
Clara: Look at the recording! Look at what your family did while I was gone!
Richard stepped closer, his jaw tight as he glanced down at the tablet screen resting on the kitchen island.
The video feed displayed clear high-definition security footage recorded less than ten minutes earlier.
It showed Evelyn holding the metal chain, Victoria holding the spoon, and Richard himself standing right beside them, helping press the infant's shoulders down to fasten the lock.
Clara: You... you helped them?
Richard: Clara, listen to me. That video is taken completely out of context.
Clara: Out of context?! You held our baby's arms down while they wrapped a heavy chain around his neck!
Evelyn: Stop making a dramatic scene over a basic household discipline method, Clara!
Clara: Discipline?! He is an eleven-month-old child! You treated him like a wild animal!
Clara backed up slowly toward the kitchen doorway, holding her weeping son securely against her shoulder.
The baby buried his face into her winter jacket, his small hands clutching her collar.
Richard: Put him back in the high chair, Clara. We need to discuss this calmly in the study.
Clara: Don't come near me! Don't you lay a single finger on him!
Victoria: Clara, you have always been ungrateful for everything this family has given you! Richard built this estate, and he decides how his family is managed!
Clara: He is my child! I gave birth to him, and I will not let you abuse him for another second!
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