“The Housemaid Smashed the Mansion Wall — What She Found Inside Was Horrifying!”

Arthur dropped the hammer and ripped loose the broken drywall with his bare hands.

"Leo, come to me."

His son crawled through the opening on scraped knees, wearing dinosaur pajamas that were gray with dust. Arthur pulled him against his chest so hard Leo squeaked.

"Easy, Dad."

Arthur loosened his grip immediately. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, buddy. Are you hurt?"

Leo buried his face against Arthur's neck.

"Don't let her touch me again."

Arthur looked over Leo's head at Victoria.

She had backed toward the door.

"You are safe now," Arthur whispered. "You're safe, my sweet boy."

Elena stepped into the broken opening and switched on her phone flashlight.

The hidden space was barely six feet wide. A thin mattress lay on the floor. There was a plastic bottle of water, two granola-bar wrappers, a bucket in the corner, and a battery-powered lamp.

Someone had planned for a child to remain there.

Arthur's stomach turned.

"How long were you in here?"

Leo didn't answer.

Elena crouched. "Leo, it's okay. You don't have to tell us everything right now."

Victoria suddenly moved.

Not toward Leo.

Toward the camera.

Elena saw it first.

"Arthur!"

Victoria reached through the hole and grabbed the small black device from a shelf.

Arthur caught her wrist.

"Give me that."

"Let go of me!"

"Give me the camera."

She twisted violently. The device hit the floor and cracked, but Elena snatched the memory card before Victoria could stomp on it.

Victoria stared at her.

The look was pure hatred.

"You have no idea what you just did."

Elena slipped the card into her apron pocket. "I think I do."

Arthur pulled out his phone.

"I'm calling the police."

Victoria laughed once, sharp and breathless. "And tell them what? That your housekeeper destroyed your wall and kidnapped your son?"

Arthur's thumb stopped over the screen.

She saw his hesitation and smiled.

"That's right. Think. Leo was legally in my care today. Elena had no permission to be in this wing. She broke into a sealed service space with a sledgehammer. Who do you think the police will believe?"

Then Leo lifted his head from Arthur's shoulder.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, buddy?"

Leo pointed at Victoria.