Vanessa lay on the hardwood floor, holding her bruised arm while breathing heavily in utter shock.
She stared up at Mark with wide, terrified eyes, realizing her control over the situation was completely gone.
Mark turned around without saying another word and hurried back down the grand staircase.
He knelt beside Sarah, placing a strong hand on her shaking shoulder while looking down at Leo.
Sarah: Is he going to be alright, Mark?
Mark gently moved the baby's arms and legs, checking his pulse and checking for any swelling.
Leo's loud cries began to subside into soft hiccups as he snuggled closer into Sarah's navy blazer.
Mark: He's safe now, honey. He doesn't look severely hurt, but we are taking no chances.
Mark stood up and pulled his smartphone out of his blazer pocket.
He quickly dialed three digits, keeping his cold gaze fixed on Vanessa upstairs.
Mark: Emergency services? I need an officer at my estate immediately.
Up on the balcony, Vanessa buried her face in her trembling hands and began to sob quietly.
She knew that once the police arrived, the delicate web of lies she had built would unravel.
Ten minutes later, flashing red and blue lights illuminated the high front windows of the foyer.
Two uniformed police officers walked through the double doors, their heavy boots echoing on the oak floor.
Mark guided Sarah and the baby toward the living room sofa while the lead officer stepped forward.
Officer Davis: Sir, we received a call about a domestic incident and an injured child.
Mark: My sister-in-law intentionally put my infant son in danger and caused him to fall.
Vanessa came slowly down the stairs, her mascara smudged and her emerald dress wrinkled.
Vanessa: Officer, that isn't true! It was an awful mistake! I love my nephew!
Sarah stood up from the couch, holding Leo securely in her arms as she faced her sister.
Sarah: You have been jealous of us since the day you arrived, Vanessa.
Officer Davis: Ma'am, stay right there on the lower step while we get this sorted out.
The second officer pulled out a small notepad and began taking statements from everyone in the room.
Mark pointed toward the small black dome visible in the high corner of the ceiling crown molding.
Mark: We have high-definition security cameras covering every inch of this foyer, Officer.
Vanessa's face instantly went pale, all the color draining from her lips as she froze.