Arthur dropped quickly to his knees on the checkered floor beside Clara and his crying child.
He gently pulled little Leo into his strong arms and held him tight against his chest.
The toddler buried his small face into his father's shoulder while sobbing heavily.
Arthur rocked the boy softly while checking his small arms and legs for any physical injuries.
His heart heavy with anxiety as he stroked the child's soft hair with genuine tender care.
Arthur: It is okay, my sweet boy, daddy is right here with you now.
He whispered gentle comforting words until the boy's heavy crying gradually slowed down.
Arthur looked up at Clara with deep concern in his eyes.
The young maid was breathing heavily while kneeling on the hard marble floor.
Her neat black and white uniform dress was visibly wrinkled from the frantic chase across the foyer.
Arthur noticed red marks on her wrists and a deep pale exhaustion across her delicate face.
Her eyes were filled with heavy tears as she looked at her employer in complete distress.
Arthur: Clara, tell me what is going on here right now!
Clara wiped away a falling tear with the back of her trembling hand.
She pointed a shaking finger at Elena who stood frozen near the large front entrance.
Clara: She treats the child like a burden every single time you leave this house!
Arthur felt a cold chill run straight down his spine at those heartbreaking words.
He stared at Clara in utter disbelief as the terrifying realization began to settle in his mind.
Arthur: What did you just say to me, Clara?
Clara: She neglects him and acts heartlessly whenever your back is turned, sir!
Clara choked back a sob as she continued explaining the dreadful situation.
Clara: Today she packed her bags and tried to take him away to force a massive financial settlement!
Elena stepped forward quickly with a red angry face and sharp flashing eyes.
Elena: Do not listen to this foolish girl's outrageous lies, Arthur!
She pointed aggressively at the kneeling maid while raising her voice in loud defense.
Elena: She is making up wild stories because I threatened to fire her for terrible work!
Arthur stood up slowly from the floor while keeping his son secure in his left arm.
His posture was rigid as his intense gaze locked onto his wife's pale face.
The gentle warmth in his eyes had completely vanished, replaced by an overwhelming cold rage.
He could hear his own heavy heartbeat ringing loudly inside his ears.
Every word Clara spoke rang true with the painful patterns he had chosen to ignore for months.
He recalled how Elena always avoided holding the baby whenever they were alone at home.
He remembered how eager she was to secure control over his massive financial accounts and family trust funds.
Arthur: You have been pretending this whole time, haven't you?
Elena swallowed hard as she took a small cautious step backward toward the exit.
Elena: Arthur, darling, you know how much I care about this family!
Arthur: Do not dare call me darling ever again!