Elena sprinted across the polished marble floor with every ounce of her strength.
She saw the satin dress move, and the baby fell into the open space.
The baby let out a sharp cry that echoed through the entire house.
Elena did not hesitate for even a single second as she ran forward.
She threw her body across the hard ground to extend her arms fully.
Her knees slammed onto the marble, but she focused only on the falling child.
Elena caught baby Sofia securely in her hands just inches from the ground.
The force of the catch brought Elena sliding across the smooth white tiles.
She pulled the tiny infant close to her chest, holding her tight.
The baby sobbed loudly, shaking from the terrifying fall through the air.
Elena lay on her side, tears of extreme relief streaming down her cheeks.
Elena: I've got you, baby! You are safe now!
Heavy footsteps thundered from the upper hallway as doors slammed open upstairs.
Ethan had just returned early from his corporate office meeting down town.
He ran out onto the balcony, his face pale with utter shock.
Elena looked up from the floor, her voice trembling as she screamed out loud.
Elena: Ethan! She threw Sofia from the balcony!
Victoria hurried down the grand marble staircase, her champagne gown swishing loudly.
Her face was pale, but her eyes burned with furious, desperate anger.
Ethan rushed down the stairs behind her, taking three steps at a time.
Victoria reached the bottom of the stairs and marched straight toward Elena.
She held out her hands, trying to snatch the crying child back away.
Victoria: Give her to me! Give her to me right now!
Elena pulled back, wrapping herself around little Sofia to protect her body.
Ethan stepped between Victoria and the maid, his eyes wild with confusion.
Victoria turned to Ethan, her hands shaking as she pulled his arm.
Victoria: She's lying, Ethan! The maid slipped and dropped the child herself!
Elena shook her head violently, holding the weeping baby as tight as possible.
Elena: That is not true! She looked me in the eyes and dropped her!
Ethan looked between his crying wife and the shaking maid on the floor.
The tension in the sunlit foyer reached a boiling, explosive peak.
Ethan gripped Victoria's wrist firmly and pulled her away from the maid.
Ethan: You forgot one thing, Victoria.