The bright morning sun streamed through the towering glass windows of the estate, lighting up the cold white marble floor. Up on the second-floor balcony, a woman in a bright emerald silk dress held a tiny bundle. Her face was twisted with pure disgust as the newborn let out a weak cry.
Evelyn: "Quiet down! I can't stand the sight of you!"
Down below, Clara rushed into the foyer carrying a fresh stack of folded linens. She froze when she looked up and saw Evelyn holding the swaddled baby directly over the balcony railing.
Clara: "Mrs. Vance, please! Step back from the ledge!"
Evelyn: "This child doesn't belong in my life!"
Without a second thought, Evelyn let go. The white bundle fell through the open air toward the hard stone below. Clara dropped the linens and ran across the slick marble floor. She threw her entire body forward in a frantic dive, stretching her arms out right above the ground.
Clara: "No!"
Her knees slammed into the marble, but her hands caught the soft fabric a split second before impact. She slid several feet across the polished floor, cradling the baby tightly against her chest. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she pulled the blanket close to check for breath.
Clara: "I've got you baby... You're safe now."
The baby let out a sharp cry, alive and untouched. Clara squeezed her eyes shut in relief, holding the newborn close as her chest heaved. Footsteps echoed from above as Evelyn slowly walked down the grand staircase, her heel clicks sounding rhythmic and cold on the stone.
Evelyn: "You shouldn't have caught it, Clara. You just made this much more complicated."
Clara pulled herself up from the floor, her hands trembling as she held the baby tight. She stared at Evelyn with pure rage, her voice cracking with built-up anger.
Clara: "How could you do that?!"
Evelyn: "Get off me! Know your place, maid."
Clara stepped right into her path, her tears turning into fierce determination. Evelyn raised her hand to strike, but Clara swung first, her hand slapping across Evelyn's cheek with a loud crack. At that exact moment, the grand entrance doors swung wide open.
Julian: "What is happening here?!"
Julian Vance stood in the doorway, his coat half-off, staring at the chaotic scene in his foyer. Clara turned toward her boss, her voice shaking as she pointed a finger up at the balcony above.
Clara: "She tried to kill your baby!"