Arthur: "Chloe... what is that in your hand?"
Chloe: "Arthur, honey, it's not what it looks like! I was just... safety-testing this harness for our upcoming park trips!"
Maria: "She's lying, Mr. Vance! She keeps him on that leash all day while you're away! She hits him when he cries!"
Chloe: "Shut up, Maria! Arthur, she's lying! She's out of her mind! She lost her temper and hit herself on the door frame!"
Arthur dropped his heavy leather briefcase onto the floor with a loud thud. His face, usually calm and composed, turned pale with anger as he stepped into the foyer. He ignored Chloe entirely and dropped down to his knees in front of his little boy.
Arthur: "Toby... daddy's here. I'm right here, buddy."
Toby: "Daddy! Hurty... tummy hurty..."
Arthur reached out with trembling hands and unclipped the tight strap bound across the child's chest. When he pulled the thick fabric back, he saw deep red impressions pressed into the toddler's skin through his light shirt. His breath hitched in his throat, tears instantly forming in his eyes.
Arthur: "My God... what did you do to my son?"
Chloe: "Arthur, listen to me! Kids get red marks all the time! He was running around the yard wild, and I had to keep him safe near the pool!"
Maria: "She tied him to the stone statue near the fountain, sir! In the freezing cold wind! He has a fever!"
Arthur: "Is this true, Maria?"
Maria: "Look at his forehead, sir. Feel his temperature. I tried to bring him inside, and she slapped me across the face."
Arthur stood up slowly, lifting Toby gently into his arms. The boy buried his tiny face into his father's shoulder, sobbing softly as Arthur patted his back. Arthur looked at Maria, noticing the swollen purple bruise forming along her cheekbone.
Arthur: "Did she hit you, Maria?"
Maria: "Yes, sir. Because I threatened to tell you about the custody agreement terms she was boasting about."
Chloe: "She's making up stories! Arthur, you know how faithful and loving I've been to you! I took care of this house when you were grieving!"
Arthur: "You didn't take care of this house... you turned it into a torture chamber for my child."
Chloe: "Don't talk to me like that! I am your wife!"
Arthur: "Not for much longer."
Arthur turned his back on her, carrying Toby toward the kitchen to get him warm water and a blanket. Chloe panicked, her charming facade completely breaking down as she chased after him down the long hallway, her high heels echoing wildly off the walls.
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