Clara did not hesitate for even a fraction of a second.
She sprinted across the polished floor toward the base of the staircase.
The stroller rattled loudly as it bounced down the first few marble steps.
Lily began to cry in a terrified, muffled tone from inside.
Clara saw the stroller gain speed as it flipped forward slightly.
She threw her body forward onto the smooth marble floor without slowing down.
Clara slid straight across the grand foyer on her stomach.
She stretched her arms out wide as hard carpet gave way to stone.
The stroller came crashing down toward the final bottom steps.
Clara caught the lower frame with her bare hands just in time.
The metal wheels slammed into her chest as she absorbed the heavy impact.
She held the frame tight to keep it from tipping completely over.
The infant gasped for air inside the soft pink fleece blankets.
Clara lay on her side, bruised and out of breath from the hard slide.
She quickly reached into the carriage to secure little baby Lily.
The baby was trembling but completely unharmed from the quick rescue.
Clara wrapped her arms around the infant and pulled her close.
She looked up toward the top of the stairs with tears in her eyes.
Victoria was walking down the steps with a calm, casual stride.
She did not look worried or surprised by what had just occurred.
Clara felt a surge of pure anger rise inside her chest.
She stood up quickly, holding the baby safely against her shoulder.
Victoria reached the bottom step and checked her manicured red fingernails.
Clara stepped right into Victoria's path with a furious expression.
Without a word, Clara raised her right hand through the air.
A loud crack echoed across the high ceiling of the foyer.
Clara slapped Victoria firmly across her cheek to stop her cold.
Victoria stumbled backward against the wooden handrail in complete shock.