Time seemed to slow down inside the sunlit marble hallway as panic took over the house.
Elena reached out her hand toward the stroller, but her movement was clumsy and sharp.
Instead of pulling the child back safely, her arm pushed forward against the small stroller frame.
The stroller tipped over, and little Lily lost her footing on the slick marble edge.
The child began sliding down the hard marble steps, crying out in sudden fear and shock.
Maria gasped loudly and sprinted across the polished foyer floor toward the bottom step.
Her heart hammered frantically against her ribs as she watched the little girl tumble down.
The sound of soft thuds echoed off the high white walls and the large American flag.
Maria dropped to her knees at the base of the staircase and stretched her arms out wide.
She caught the trembling three-year-old girl firmly in her arms right as she slid off the last step.
Maria: Ah! I got you! I got you, sweetie!
Lily: Mommy! Maria! It hurts!
Maria: Oh my god, sweetie, are you okay? Let me look at you!
Maria hugged the little girl tightly while her own body trembled with intense adrenaline and tears.
She carefully inspected Lily's arms, legs, and forehead to check for any severe bruises or cuts.
Thankfully, the child had slid mostly on her clothes, avoiding major direct impacts on the stone.
Up on the high landing, Elena stood near the wooden gate with a pale, panicked expression.
She had not intended for the event to happen so openly where the maid could witness it.
Elena quickly smoothed down her bright red dress and pulled her shoulders back defensively.
She began walking down the steps slowly, attempting to regain control of her shaken voice.
Elena: You saw that it was completely an accident, Maria!
Maria: You stood there and did not grab her when I warned you!
Elena: She tripped over her own feet because you shouted so loudly!
Maria: I saw your hand push that stroller forward on purpose!
Elena: How dare you accuse me of such a terrible thing in this house!
Maria stood up slowly while holding the sobbing child tightly against her chest for protection.
Her brown eyes filled with rage and disgust as she glared at the wealthy woman in red.
She realized now that Elena was far more dangerous than anyone in the family had imagined.
At that exact moment, the heavy double mahogany front doors burst open with immense force.
David rushed into the bright foyer, having returned early after forgetting important court files on his desk.
The dramatic sound of his sudden entry echoed through the entire high-ceilinged marble estate.
David: What happened?! Who did this?! What is going on?!
Maria: Mr. David! Thank God you are home right now!
Elena: David, darling, please stay calm, everything is under control!
David took three fast strides toward the staircase, his eyes wide with absolute horror and fury.