Richard burst into the open hall and saw his young daughter lying motionless near the bottom stair landing.
A small trickling red spot began to spread near her hairline against the pristine white marble tiles.
Richard: MAYA! MAYA NOOO!
His voice echoed off the grand vaulted ceilings in pure, unadulterated heartbreak and terror.
He sprinted across the polished floor and dropped heavily to his knees beside his unconscious child.
His hands trembled violently as he gently scooped the tiny girl into his arms and cradled her head.
Richard: Maya, please wake up! Stay with Daddy, please open your eyes baby!
The child remained entirely limp in his arms, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.
Richard held her tightly against his chest while frantic tears streamed down his pale cheeks.
He looked up and saw Victoria descending the stairs with a delicate hand pressed against her throat.
Her face showed a sudden look of innocent concern, but her eyes remained cold and calculating.
Victoria: Oh gracious heaven, Richard! She slipped on her own shoelaces, it was a tragic accident!
Richard: What happened to her? You were supposed to be watching her right here!
Victoria: I tried to catch her as she tripped, darling, but she fell so quickly before I could reach!
Richard's eyes fell upon the floor where Maya's favorite plush toy lay torn near the upper step.
He noticed red scratch marks on his daughter's wrist that clearly did not come from the smooth floor.
A cold realization washed over him like a wave of icy river water on a winter morning.
Richard: You grabbed her, didn't you? You pulled her toward those stairs!
Victoria: How can you accuse me of such a monstrous thing while your child is hurt?
Richard: Look at her wrist, Victoria! You forced her back and caused this fall!
Victoria: You are hysterical right now, Richard, let me call our private family doctor immediately!
Richard: Stay away from my daughter! Do not come another step closer to her!
Richard stood up carefully while supporting Maya's neck and head with extreme gentleness and caution.
His face transformed from grief into a wall of sharp, unyielding anger directed straight at Victoria.
Richard: If anything happens to my daughter, I will tear down everything you care about in this world!
Victoria: You are being entirely unreasonable, Richard, I only tried to help the child!
Richard: Never touch my daughter again! Get out of my way right now!
Richard turned toward the heavy mahogany front doors and kicked them open with all his force.
He ran toward his SUV parked in the driveway with his precious burden secured safely against his chest.