"Ha! Look at you now, old hag!" Chloe screamed, her voice a harsh, mocking screech that echoed through the quiet house.
Before Leo could even process the scene, Chloe tipped her mug, pouring cold water directly over Margaret's head. Margaret gasped, shivering as the water soaked her sweater. When she tried to wipe her eyes, Chloe brutally kicked her in the ribs, sending the elderly woman sprawling onto the wet floor. Chloe then leaned down, pressing the heavy mug against Margaret’s forehead, laughing maniacally.
Rage, hot and uncontrollable, surged through Leo’s veins. Dropping his heavy olive drab duffel bag, the young soldier lunged forward. With the speed of a man trained for combat, he delivered a powerful, flying kick that caught Chloe squarely in the shoulder, sending her crashing hard onto the floor away from his grandmother. Leo stood over Margaret, his chest heaving, shielding her like a protective wall.
Chloe shrieked in pain and shock as she hit the floor, scrambling backward like a cornered animal. Beatrice leaped up from the floral sofa, her face twisting from smug amusement into absolute horror. She pointed a trembling finger at Leo, her voice shrill with anger.
"Leo! Are you insane? You just assaulted my daughter! We are calling the police on you!" Beatrice yelled, rushing to help Chloe to her feet.
Leo didn't flinch. He knelt beside Margaret, gently helping her sit up. He wiped the dirty water from her face, his heart breaking at the sight of her bruised cheek and terrified eyes. Margaret clung to his combat uniform, sobbing quietly, whispering for him to be careful.