Victoria's eyes glinted with pure malice under the bright lights.
Without a single second of hesitation, she let go of the infant.
Victoria: Oops!
A collective shriek tore through the massive ballroom.
The tiny baby fell through the open air toward the hard floor.
Arthur did not pause or think for a single microsecond.
He dove forward across the slick white floor with incredible speed.
His tuxedo trousers slid hard along the cold marble surface.
He stretched both of his arms out as far as he could reach.
The wind rushed past his ears in a terrifying blur.
Just inches before impact, his broad hands caught the falling baby.
He pulled her tightly against his chest, sliding into a support pillar.
The entire crowd let out a massive sigh of shock and relief.
The baby wailed loudly, safe in her father's firm embrace.
Arthur lay on the ground, breathing heavily as tears filled his eyes.
He checked her tiny arms and legs instantly to make sure she was okay.
She was completely unharmed, though shaken by the fall.
Arthur kissed her forehead over and over with intense gratitude.
Arthur: You are safe, baby girl. Daddy has got you.
The crowd began cheering, but Arthur's relief quickly turned to rage.
A deep, burning paternal fury built up inside his chest.
His face contorted in absolute rage as he looked up at the balcony.
The veins on his neck stood out prominently under his skin.
He slowly stood up on his feet, holding his child securely.
The entire ballroom went silent once more as they felt his aura shift.
Victoria looked down from the balcony, her face turning pale with shock.
She had not expected him to catch the child in time.
She turned around quickly, trying to slip away down the rear exit stairs.
Arthur handed his daughter back to Clara, who ran over weeping.
Arthur: Hold her. Do not let anyone near her.
Arthur marched up the stairs with broad, powerful strides.
His eyes were locked straight onto Victoria's blue diamond dress.
Victoria stumbled on her heavy dress as she reached the bottom step.
Arthur cut off her exit path entirely, towering over her presence.
She backed up until her spine hit the grand white wall.
Victoria: Stay back! It was an accident!
Arthur: You almost destroyed my entire life!
He stepped right into her space, his breathing heavy and dangerous.
The guests gathered around in a tense circle to watch.