The golden chandelier cast long, nervous shadows across the polished marble hallway of the Sterling estate.
Elena: Please... hold still just a second longer.
Her arms were shaking, every muscle in her back burning under the weight of the massive gold-framed painting.
Clara: Ethan, please help him!
Ethan: Mr. Sterling, look at this!
Ethan Sterling: What on earth is going on here?
Ethan adjusted the cuffs of his tailored tuxedo, his wife Clara trailing behind him in a sweeping silk gown.
Clara: Oh my God! Look at the wall!
Ethan Sterling: What are you doing with that painting, maid?
Elena: Sir, I was just trying to help!
Ethan Sterling: Shut your mouth!
Ethan's face tightened into a dark, furious scowl as he stepped closer.
Before Elena could explain, Ethan lunged forward and slapped her forcefully across the face.
The crack echoed off the high ceilings like a gunshot.
Elena stumbled backward, dropping to her knees while holding her red, throbbing cheek.
Elena: Sir, please... listen to me!
Ethan Sterling: How dare you touch this wall! Get away from him!
Clara: Ethan, calm down!
Ethan Sterling: Get out of my sight this instant!
Elena squeezed her eyes shut, tears streaming down her bruised face as she slowly pushed herself up.
She backed away down the long corridor, her heart pounding in her chest.
Ethan turned away from her, lowering his gaze toward the hollow opening in the drywall.
Two tiny legs dangling behind the heavy canvas were now completely visible.
Ethan Sterling: Don't worry son, you're safe now.
Little Leo peered out from the dark wall, but the truth behind his hidden hiding spot was far darker than Ethan could ever imagine.