Arthur stayed on his knees for a long moment, catching his breath.
He checked Leo carefully from head to toe to make sure he was unharmed.
The baby whimpered slightly, but he was completely safe in his father's arms.
Arthur slowly pushed himself up from the cold white floor.
His heart beat wildly against his ribs as deep anger replaced his initial shock.
He looked straight up at the upper balcony where Victoria remained standing.
Victoria stared back down at him with wide-eyed terror and utter disbelief.
Her face had turned completely pale, her mouth slightly open in shock.
She gripped the brass railing so tightly her knuckles turned white.
She had never expected Arthur to move with such desperate speed.
"How could you?" Arthur shouted, his voice ringing with pure fury.
"How could you put our child in danger like that?"
Victoria took a step back, her confidence suddenly collapsing entirely.
"It was an accident!" Victoria stammered loudly, her voice trembling.
"I slipped, Arthur, you have to believe me!"
"You didn't slip!" Arthur roared as he headed for the stairs.
He carried Leo safely against his shoulder, holding him firmly.
He marched up the carpeted grand staircase with heavy, firm footsteps.
"I saw your hands, Victoria," Arthur said as he reached the top landing.
"I saw what you were trying to do to secure that money."
Victoria backed away down the long hallway toward the master suite.
"You are confused, Arthur, you are making a massive mistake!" she pleaded.
"I loved this family, I gave up everything for this life!"
"You loved the estate, and you loved the inheritance," Arthur stated fiercely.
He reached into his jacket pocket with one hand while holding Leo safely.
He pulled out his mobile phone and pressed speed dial for security.
"Get the police here right now!" Arthur commanded into the phone receiver.
Victoria gasped loudly, covering her face with both of her hands.
"No, Arthur, please don't call the authorities!" she screamed wildly.
"We can fix this, we can figure out a private agreement!"
"There is nothing left to negotiate," Arthur replied, his voice icy cold.
"You showed your true colors, and you will face the consequences."
Victoria turned around and bolted down the upper corridor toward her private dressing room.
She slammed the heavy oak door behind her and locked it tightly.
Arthur stood outside the door, listening to her frantic shuffling inside.
He knew she was trying to gather her passport and emergency cash.
"You aren't going anywhere," Arthur said quietly through the thick wood.
He walked back to the center balcony to await the arrival of the police officers.
Downstairs, the front doorbell chimed loudly through the spacious foyer.