Victoria grabbed Maya's small shoulder firmly and backed her toward the balcony edge.
Maya: Victoria, please stop, you are scaring me really bad!
Victoria: You think you are so special just because of your father's money!
Maya: I just want my daddy to come back home!
Victoria: Your daddy belongs to me now, and so does this entire estate!
She backed the terrified seven year old girl right against the high railing.
Maya looked down at the hard stone floor far below and began to cry.
Maya: Daddy! Help me! Please help me!
Her sharp scream echoed through the vaulted ceilings of the mansion corridors.
At that exact moment, David pulled his truck into the paved front driveway.
He stepped out of the vehicle and heard his daughter's panicked voice echoing.
David dropped his leather briefcase onto the gravel and sprinted inside instantly.
He rushed up the grand marble staircase, his heart beating with wild fury.
David: Maya! I am coming! Where are you!
He rounded the top landing and saw Victoria standing over his screaming child.
Victoria was leaning over Maya, pushing the crying girl toward the dangerous drop.
David charged forward with every ounce of speed left in his body.
He reached the balcony just as Maya's foot slipped on the tile.
David lunged across the threshold and scooped Maya safely into his arms.
He pulled her tightly against his dark navy suit, shielding her completely.
David: I have got you! I have got you, sweetheart!
He dropped to his knees on the hard floor, holding her close.
Maya sobbed uncontrollably into his shoulder, her hands shaking with extreme fear.
David: Shh, it is okay now, daddy is right here with you.
Victoria turned around quickly, her face pale with immediate panic and regret.
She smoothed down her green satin dress and tried to adjust her hair.
Victoria: David! It was an absolute accident, I swear it!
David: Do not lie to me after what I just witnessed!
Victoria: She was playing near the edge and I tried to grab her!
David looked up with intense rage burning in his wet eyes.
He stood up slowly, keeping Maya safe behind his broad back.