Outside the front gates, a heavy black sedan pulled up to the main entrance of the estate.
Arthur Sterling stepped out of the back seat, adjusting his dark blue suit jacket with a tired sigh.
He was a powerful businessman who spent long weeks in crowded boardrooms across the country.
He had lost his first wife two years ago, leaving him alone to raise their only child.
He had married Victoria hoping she would bring warmth back into his quiet, lonely home.
He thought she would care for young Leo like a real mother while he managed the family business.
As Arthur walked up the stone steps, two security guards opened the massive wooden doors for him.
He stepped inside, expecting to hear a peaceful house, but instead heard loud crying from the hallway.
His stomach tightened with instant worry as he recognized the sound of his young son's voice.
Arthur quickened his pace, his heavy shoes making loud noises against the marble floor.
He turned the corner into the main hall and saw a scene that made his blood run ice cold.
His wife was standing over the maid, her face twisted in anger.
Elena was lying on the ground, bruised and holding little Leo close in her arms.
Arthur pushed past the security guards, his face turning dark with instant rage.
He walked straight toward the scene, his eyes fixed on the woman he had trusted with his family.
Arthur: What is going on in my house?
Victoria froze for a second, her harsh look melting away into a fake smile of surprise.
She quickly tried to smooth down her silk dress, stepping back from the two on the floor.
Victoria: Arthur, darling, you came home early from your trip!
Arthur ignored her greeting completely, his eyes dropping down to the bruises on the maid's face.
He knelt on the hard floor, his long arms reaching out to take his crying son into his lap.
He held the small boy tight against his chest, feeling the toddler shake with fear.
Arthur: Daddy's here, you're safe now.
Leo wrapped his small hands around his father's jacket, finally starting to quiet down.
Arthur looked up at Elena, seeing the dark red mark swelling across her face.
He realized right then that something terrible had been going on while he was away on business.