Evelyn cradled the baby gently at first, stepping toward the grand indoor balcony area.
The balcony was decorated with red, white, and blue banners for the civic event.
David followed closely behind her, keeping his eyes locked on his daughter.
David: Don't get too close to the railing, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Oh, don't be so dramatic, David, I know how to hold a child.
Several board members turned to admire the sweet baby in her mint-green dress.
Lily babbled happily, reaching her tiny fingers toward the polished pearls on Evelyn's neck.
Suddenly, Evelyn turned her back to the crowd and leaned slightly over the railing gap.
Her face twisted into a harsh look that nobody else could see from the floor below.
Evelyn: You think you inherited everything, David, but you forgot who really holds power.
David: Step back right now, Evelyn! Hand her back to me!
Instead of stepping back, Evelyn lifted the baby up higher toward the open space above the railing.
David lunged forward, his heart dropping into his stomach with pure instinctual fear.
Evelyn deliberately shifted her balance, letting the baby slip dangerously from her hands.
A sudden gasp echoed through the upper balcony as people saw the baby tilt over the edge.
David reached out with a desperate scream, grabbing for the hem of Lily's green dress.
He caught the fabric just in time as Evelyn let out a fake, sharp gasp of surprise.
Evelyn: Oops... I lost my grip!
David pulled his daughter back over the railing into his chest with shaking arms.
Lily began to cry loudly, terrified by the sudden movement and shouting.
The guests below looked up in complete horror as the commotion echoed through the hall.
David dropped to his knees on the carpet, holding his daughter as tight as he could.
His breath came out in short, ragged gasps as sweat broke out across his forehead.
Evelyn stood over him with a cold smirk hiding behind her hand.
Evelyn: Accidents happen when you bring babies to busy places, David.
David: That was no accident, you pulled her toward the edge on purpose!
Evelyn: Nobody will ever believe such a ridiculous accusation from an emotional father.
David lifted his head, his eyes burning with absolute rage and protective energy.
He checked Lily carefully, ensuring she was completely safe and unhurt in his arms.
The fear in his chest transformed instantly into an overwhelming wave of fiery anger.