The heavy infant car seat slipped from Victoria's manicured hands instantly.
Clara did not hesitate for even a single split second.
She sprinted forward and leapt down the polished hardwood grand staircase.
Her feet moved faster than she had ever moved in her entire life.
She threw her body across the hard oak floor in the center of the foyer.
The car seat tumbled rapidly through the open air above her head.
Clara slid across the slick floor right on her knees and chest.
She extended both arms upward into the air with total desperation.
The plastic handle of the infant seat hit her palms with extreme force.
The heavy blow bruised her wrists, but she held on tight.
She pulled the heavy carrier into her chest as she slid across the floor.
The floor sliding sound echoed loudly through the immense, quiet mansion.
Clara curled her body around the car seat like a protective shield.
Inside the secure harness, little Leo began to cry very loudly.
He was frightened by the sudden movement, but he was completely unharmed.
Clara checked the secure straps with trembling, sweaty hands.
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she pulled the baby close to her heart.
She rocked the carrier back and forth on the cool hardwood floor.
Her breathing was ragged, and her knees were badly bruised from the landing.
Up on the high balcony, Victoria stood completely frozen in absolute shock.
She had not expected the young nanny to move with such incredible speed.
Her wicked plan to make the fall look like an accident was completely ruined.
Victoria quickly adjusted her emerald dress and marched down the grand stairs.
Her sharp heels made a loud tapping noise against the hard oak steps.
She wanted to snatch the baby before Clara could tell anyone what happened.
Clara hugged the carrier tightly, refusing to move an inch away.
She stared up at the cruel woman with raw anger and fierce determination.
She was ready to fight with all her strength to keep Leo safe.
The grand double front doors of the mansion suddenly swung open violently.
Arthur Sterling stepped inside the sunlit foyer carrying his heavy leather briefcase.