Elena heard the terrifying screams from the end of the hallway.
She threw her broom aside and ran toward the upper balcony.
She saw Leo crying while holding his sister's slipping hand.
The little girl was slipping further every single second.
Elena did not hesitate for even a single fraction of a moment.
She threw herself against the heavy stone balustrade.
She reached both of her arms out over the dangerous edge.
Her hands locked firmly around Mia's waist and arms.
Elena: Hold on!
Elena: You're safe now!
Elena pulled with all the strength in her body.
She lifted the weeping girl safely back over the marble wall.
She held Mia tightly against her chest on the floor.
Leo collapsed on the ground beside them, breathing heavily.
The danger had passed, but everyone was shaking with fear.
Mia sobbed softly into Elena's crisp white apron.
Elena gently stroked the little girl's hair to calm her down.
Elena: Shh, it's okay, sweetheart.
Elena: You are completely safe now.
At that exact moment, Arthur rushed onto the patio area below.
He had not seen the actual moment of the rescue.
He only saw Elena holding his frightened, crying daughter on the ground.
In his intense panic, his mind jumped to the worst conclusion.
He assumed Elena had been careless and allowed the danger to happen.
His terror quickly turned into overwhelming, blinding anger.
He stormed up the marble stairs with fists clenched tight.
His face was red with furious rage as he approached them.
Elena looked up, still holding the trembling children close.
She expected him to be relieved that his daughter was safe.
Instead, she saw only harsh accusation in his eyes.
The air on the balcony became thick with intense tension.