Julian sprinted across the main entrance of the family estate.
He heard the loud echo of breaking pearls from upstairs.
He dropped his leather jacket onto a nearby velvet chair.
He looked up just in time to see Elena falling through the air.
His heart slammed hard against his ribs in sheer terror.
He did not hesitate for even a single second.
Julian launched his body across the slick marble floor.
He slid directly beneath the falling path of the young heiress.
He extended both arms high into the air to catch her body.
Elena crashed into his broad chest with heavy impact.
They both hit the floor together and rolled through scattered pearls.
The hard impact knocked the breath straight out of Julian's lungs.
He wrapped his strong arms tightly around her small waist.
Elena sobbed uncontrollably into the front of his shirt.
She buried her face in his neck, shaking with pure terror.
Julian pulled her close to make sure she was completely safe.
He checked her arms and legs for any broken bones.
Elena looked up into his eyes with wide, tear-filled vision.
She pointed a trembling hand toward the high upper balcony above.
Julian followed her hand and looked straight up at the foyer.
Margarethe was staring down at them with a cold expression.
She showed zero regret or shock on her lined face.
Julian squeezed his hands into tight fists at his sides.
He pulled Elena up so she stood safely behind his back.
He pulled out his phone and pressed three urgent digits.
He stared straight up into the cold eyes of the stepmother.
He shouted loud enough for the entire mansion to hear him.
He told Margarethe that her long game was finally over.
The police sirens began to wail far off in the distance.
The true battle for the family estate had officially begun.