The morning light streamed through the tall arched windows of the Dallas mansion, illuminating the crystal chandelier that hung over the polished black-and-white checkered floor. Outside, a warm breeze rustled the leaves around the gated estate, but inside, the high ceilings held a suffocating silence. Victoria stood on the edge of the second-floor balcony, her golden satin dress shimmering under the sun. In her arms, six-month-old Chloe whimpered softly, wrapped tight in a white blanket.
Victoria: Look at you, little girl. You really thought you could come into this family and steal everything that belongs to me?
Sarah: Mrs. Victoria, please! What are you doing up there near the railing?
Sarah, the fair-skinned house maid, froze near the grand marble staircase, her feather duster slipping from her trembling fingers. She looked up in absolute horror as Victoria lifted the small baby high above her head, right over the edge of the balcony railing.
Victoria: Say goodbye to your precious little daughter, Sarah.
Sarah: NO! STOP! DON'T DO IT!
With a cold smile, Victoria tossed the baby high into the air. Chloe fell through the open space toward the hard marble floor below. Sarah didn't think, didn't hesitate, and didn't care about the risk to her own body. She threw herself forward, sliding desperately across the cold stone tiles on her knees with her arms stretched out as far as they could reach.
Sarah: I got you! I got you, sweetie!
A heavy thud echoed through the foyer as Sarah caught the infant tightly against her chest, sliding to a stop just inches before impact. Up on the balcony, Victoria gasped in utter shock, her jaw dropping as she stared down at the living baby. Before she could react, the heavy front double doors of the mansion swung open, and David stepped inside, his sharp black suit matching his thunderous expression as he took in the scene before him.