Elena walked softly up the back stairs to avoid making any loud noise.
She heard sharp voices near the central balcony overlooking the main floor foyer.
Victoria was holding small baby Lucas high up near the thick wooden balcony rail.
The young child whimpered softly in the bright sunlight streaming through high windows.
Victoria looked down at the hard marble ground with a cold, pale expression.
She spoke directly to the empty air as if addressing her absent husband.
Victoria: Look what you made me do!
Before Elena could scream, Victoria released her hands from the helpless infant.
The small baby fell quickly toward the shining floor far down below.
Elena sprinted forward with every ounce of power left in her body.
She slid hard across the slippery floor right under the open high balcony.
She extended both arms upward just as the child reached the ground level.
Her strong hands caught baby Lucas right against her soft apron padded chest.
The heavy impact knocked Elena backward against the white stone floor base.
She held the crying infant tightly in a warm protective embrace.
Tears poured down Elena's freckled cheeks as her breath came in short gasps.
Elena: I got you, you're safe now, my sweet boy!
Lucas cried loudly, but his tiny arms pulled tight against her shirt collar.
Elena checked his tiny arms and legs to ensure no bones were broken.
The baby was completely safe inside the maid's protective arms.
Up on the balcony, Victoria stood completely frozen in shock and silence.
Her plan to blame a tragic home accident had fallen apart instantly.
She stared down at the maid with wide eyes filled with growing panic.
Victoria: You were supposed to be down inside the back library room!
Elena: How could you ever do something so cruel to your son?
Victoria: Keep your mouth quiet if you want to keep your job!
Suddenly, the heavy double front doors swung wide open with a bang.
David rushed inside after forgetting his essential court documents on the hallway table.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Elena crying on the floor.
David: What happened in here? Why is Lucas screaming so loud?