Richard heard his daughter's scream from inside the grand study downstairs.
He dropped his legal documents onto the heavy mahogany desk instantly.
His heart hammered against his ribs as he sprinted toward the main hallway.
As he burst into the foyer, he saw Maya tumbling over the lower stair railing.
Time seemed to freeze as the small girl fell toward the hard marble floor.
Without thinking twice, Richard launched his entire body across the polished floor.
He slid hard on his knees across the marble, extending both arms outward.
He caught Maya securely against his chest just an inch before impact.
The impact knocked the wind right out of his lungs with a sharp gasp.
He squeezed his daughter tightly, holding her small body close to his chest.
Maya wept hysterically, burying her face into her father's brown jacket.
Richard: Maya! I've got you! You're safe!
Maya: Daddy! She pushed me! She pushed me!
Richard: Shh, I have you, sweetheart. You're safe now.
Richard looked up toward the top of the white staircase in total shock.
Eleanor was slowly walking down the steps, her face pale but calculating.
She held her hands against her chest as if she were deeply frightened.
Eleanor: It was an accident, Richard! She slipped from my hands!
Richard: She was standing at the edge, Eleanor!
Eleanor: I tried to reach for her dress, but I missed!
Richard: No... You pushed her!
Eleanor: How can you say such a terrible lie to me?
Richard: My daughter does not lie about her safety!
Richard stood up slowly while keeping Maya secured firmly in his arms.
His jaw was clenched tight as anger boiled inside his veins.
The room felt suffocating despite the bright sunshine coming through the glass.
He walked toward his household assistant, who had just rushed into the room.
Richard: Take Maya into the kitchen and hold her close.
Assistant: Right away, sir. Come here, little one.
Maya reached out her small hand toward Richard as she was carried away.
Maya: Don't let her hurt us, Daddy.
Richard: Nobody will ever hurt you again, Maya.
Richard turned back to face Eleanor with pure, unyielding fury in his eyes.
Eleanor took a small step back, her expensive heels clicking sharply.
She tried to regain her composed demeanor, but her hands were trembling.
Eleanor: You are overreacting because you are emotional right now.
Richard: Do not tell me how to feel about my child!
Eleanor: I am your wife, Richard! You must trust my word!
Richard: I saw the way you stood above her on those stairs!