Marcus positioned his strong frame directly beneath the falling trajectory.
He opened his arms wide and braced his legs against the polished floor.
Victoria fell straight into his arms with a sudden, powerful force.
The air rushed out of Marcus's lungs as he absorbed the heavy impact.
He managed to keep his footing and secured Victoria safely against his chest.
Her head rested against his shoulder as they both gasped for air.
The loud echo of the dramatic catch resonated off the high ceiling walls.
Marcus held her tightly, making sure she had no broken bones or injuries.
Marcus: Are you okay, Victoria?
Victoria was shaking violently, clutching his suit jacket with both of her hands.
Tears streamed down her pale cheeks as she looked up into his eyes.
Victoria: She... she pushed me over the rail!
Marcus turned his head slowly and looked up toward the upper balcony landing.
High above them, Evelyn was leaning over the balustrade, staring down in absolute shock.
Her face had turned completely pale as she realized her plan had failed miserably.
Marcus's face hardened into an expression of cold, unbridled fury.
He had served this family with total loyalty, and this crossed every line of humanity.
Marcus: Stay right behind me, Victoria, you are safe now.
He set her down gently on her feet near the grand entry table.
Victoria leaned against the wooden edge, trying to calm her rapid breathing.
Marcus reached into his inner suit jacket pocket with a sharp, swift motion.
He pulled out his sleek smartphone and tapped the emergency keypad buttons immediately.
He pressed the speaker button so his voice echoed through the vast space.
Marcus: Call the police right now! We have an attempted murder at the estate!
Evelyn screamed from the upper landing as she heard his loud voice.
Evelyn: No! Marcus, wait, it was just a terrible accident!
Marcus: Do not move a single inch, Evelyn!
Evelyn: She tripped over her own silk robe! I tried to catch her!
Victoria: That is a complete lie! She shoved me with both hands!
Marcus kept his phone pressed to his ear as the emergency operator answered.
Marcus: Send emergency units and dispatch officers to the main mansion immediately!