Lily shrieked loudly as she stumbled backward down the steep marble staircase.
Her yellow dress fluttered in the air as she lost her balance completely.
The giant American flag hung on the wall right behind the open balcony edge.
Arthur burst into the sunlit foyer just as his daughter slipped over the top step.
Arthur: Lily!
Without hesitating for a single second, Arthur sprinted across the polished floor.
His charcoal grey suit jacket flew open as he accelerated toward the staircase base.
He slid across the slick marble floor right as Lily tumbled down toward him.
Arthur reached out his strong arms and caught his daughter right before impact.
The heavy thud of their landing echoed through the expansive, bright room.
Arthur rolled onto his side, cradling Lily safely against his broad chest.
Arthur: I got you! You are safe, sweetheart! I have got you!
Lily wept hysterically, burying her face into her father's grey suit collar.
Lily: Daddy! She pushed me! She pushed me on the stairs!
Arthur held his crying child tightly, feeling his heart pounding wildly in his chest.
Arthur: It is okay, sweetheart. Daddy is right here. You are safe now.
He stroked her hair softly while tears of shock and relief filled his eyes.
Up at the top of the balcony, Victoria stood frozen against the decorative railing.
She clutched her own face in complete horror as she realized what she had done.
The quiet mansion was filled only with the sound of Lily's soft sobs.
Arthur slowly stood up, keeping his daughter wrapped securely in his left arm.
His eyes locked onto Victoria at the top of the grand staircase.
His face transformed into pure, uncompromising anger as he stared at his wife.