Leo: Mommy! Hold me! Mommy!
Clara didn't think about her job, the rules of the house, or the powerful people watching her. She dropped the heavy silver tray without a second thought. Metal plates crashed against the hard white marble, spilling food and juice across the pristine floor. She dropped to her knees, wrapped her arms tightly around the trembling boy, and pulled him into her chest.
Clara: Shh, it's okay, baby. I've got you. You're safe. Quiet now, sweet boy.
Leo buried his wet face into Clara's neck, his small hands clutching her blue collar like a lifeline. His harsh crying instantly slowed down to soft, rhythmic hiccups. The room fell into a dead, ringing silence. The three wealthy women sat frozen on the floor, their faces twisted in disgust and rage. Arthur stepped forward, his leather shoes crunching on a piece of fallen porcelain.
Arthur: What is the meaning of this?
Victoria: This is absurd! The child is confused!
Julianna: Get that servant away from him! She's corrupting the boy!
Camila: She probably gave him candy behind our backs! Arthur, fire her immediately!
Arthur stared at Clara, his sharp blue eyes narrowing. He looked at the way Leo held onto her uniform, refusing to let go even when the loud voices filled the foyer again. Clara looked up, her face pale, but her arms stayed firmly wrapped around the young heir.
Arthur: Clara, why did my nephew just call you mommy?
Clara: I... I didn't ask him to say that, Mr. Sterling. I swear on my life.
Arthur: Then why is he clinging to you like his life depends on it?
Clara: Because he's frightened! He doesn't know these women. He only knows who stays with him when the lights go out.
Victoria: How dare you! I am a high-society model! I have rights to this child!
Clara: You haven't visited this house once in two years! None of you have!
Victoria's face flushed deep red. She stood up quickly, dusting off her expensive silk gown, her eyes flashing with pure hatred toward the simple maid kneeling on the floor.
Victoria: Arthur, are you going to let a minimum-wage worker disrespect us? We are here under court order to settle the custody of the Sterling trust fund!
Arthur: Shut up, Victoria. All three of you.
Arthur took three slow steps closer to Clara and the child. He looked down at the spilled juice, then at Leo's small hands tightly gripping Clara's worn apron. A dark seed of suspicion planted itself in Arthur's mind. He had spent six months reviewing legal documents, life insurance policies, and trust account clauses, believing one of these polished socialites was his late brother's true love. But watching his nephew sob against a maid's shoulder changed everything.
Arthur: Clara, stand up. Bring Leo into the study.
Camila: You can't take him away from us! We have legal representatives outside!
Arthur: If any of you steps foot near my private office before I call you, I will have security throw you out on the street. Do you understand me?
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