Chapter 8 - THE FATHER WHO CAME BACK
Mark had made it halfway downtown when he realized his legal folder was still on the desk.
He told the driver to turn around.
Five minutes from home, his phone vibrated.
Security motion alert.
He almost ignored it.
Then he saw the thumbnail.
Leo.
Victoria.
Something wrong.
Mark opened the live feed.
The sound was muted.
But he didn't need sound.
He saw his son being pulled by the arm.
Saw the terror.
Saw Elena running into the room.
For several seconds, Mark couldn't breathe.
"Faster."
His driver looked into the mirror.
"Sir?"
"Drive faster."
By the time the car stopped, Mark was out before the driver reached the door.
He ran inside.
Victoria was shouting.
Elena held Leo.
Mark looked at his son's face.
Then at the broken train.
Then Victoria saw him.
Everything changed instantly.
"Mark!"
She began crying.
"Thank God!"
She rushed toward him.
"Elena attacked me!"
Mark didn't move.
"She went crazy!"
Victoria pointed.
"She threatened me!"
Mark looked at her.
His voice was frighteningly quiet.
"What happened to Leo?"
Victoria froze.
"Leo?"
"My son."
"He was having a tantrum."
Mark stared.
"I watched the camera."
All color disappeared from Victoria's face.
"What?"
"I watched you."
"No."
"You pulled him by the arm."
"Mark—"
"You told him no one was coming."
She took a step back.
"You couldn't hear—"
"The system records audio."
Silence.
Victoria's mind searched desperately for an escape.
"It was discipline."
Mark's expression broke.
Not into rage.
Into grief.
"You were supposed to love him."
"I do!"
"No."
His voice cracked.
"You loved what marrying me would give you."
Victoria stared at him.
Mark pointed toward the front door.
"Get out."
"Mark, listen—"
"The engagement is over."
Her eyes widened.
"You can't do this."
"I already did."
"My father—"
"I don't care who your father is."
"You'll regret humiliating me."
Mark stepped closer.
"No."
His eyes moved toward Leo.
"I'll regret trusting you."
That hurt more.
Victoria's face hardened.
The mask finally vanished completely.
"You think that maid is better than me?"
Mark looked toward Elena holding his son.
"No."
He paused.
"Leo does."
May you like
And Victoria knew she had lost.
---
