Time seemed to freeze as the mint-green dress slipped past the marble railing.
Julian screamed out in terror as he threw his body over the ledge.
His hand brushed against the fabric, but he couldn't catch the falling weight.
He rushed down the grand staircase three steps at a time, ignoring the pain in his knees.
Guests scrambled out of the way, dropping champagne glasses that shattered on the floor.
Julian lunged across the polished marble foyer like a desperate man.
He slid on his knees across the cold floor, extending both arms wide open.
He caught little Lily securely against his chest just inches above the hard stone floor.
The impact knocked the breath from his lungs, but he held her tightly.
Lily let out a loud, shuddering cry, her tiny heart beating wildly against his chest.
Julian lay on the floor, gasping for air while tears streamed down his cheeks.
Julian: My baby! No, no, no! I've got you!
He pulled her into a tight, protective embrace, trembling from head to toe.
Julian: Hold on, daddy's here! You're safe now!
The surrounding crowd stood in stunned, horrified silence, staring at the scene.
Several guests rushed forward to offer help, but Julian waved them away.
His sobbing slowly subsided as a terrifying realization settled deep within his chest.
Evelyn had crossed a line that could never be forgiven or undone.
The fear in his chest instantly transformed into a burning, unstoppable rage.
Julian gritted his teeth tightly, his jaw clenching until his muscles throbbed.
He checked Lily quickly to ensure she was completely unhurt from the fall.
Satisfied that she was safe, he carefully cradled her with his left arm.
He stood up slowly from the cold floor, his gaze fixed on the staircase.
Evelyn was descending the steps with a slow, calm, and arrogant stride.
She acted as though nothing terrible had just happened in front of everyone.
She adjusted her dress and smirked down at Julian from the bottom step.
Evelyn: That mistake will cost you everything, Julian.
Julian: You monster!