The Ashton Manor was alive with celebration as relatives and business partners gathered for a lavish family engagement party. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above the marble staircase while elegant music echoed through the mansion.
Sophia Bennett carefully descended the stairs, one hand resting gently on her pregnant belly. She was seven months pregnant and carrying the first child of the powerful Bennett family.
Her husband, Daniel Bennett, was speaking with guests across the hall when a sudden scream echoed through the mansion.
Sophia lost her balance.
Sheets of legal documents slipped from her hands as she stumbled forward on the polished marble steps.
Time seemed to slow.
Daniel looked up just in time to see his wife falling.
Without hesitation, he sprinted across the foyer and launched himself toward the staircase.
The papers flew through the air like white confetti as he caught Sophia moments before she hit the stone steps.
The guests gasped.
Daniel held her tightly, making sure she and the baby were safe.
Sophia buried her face against his shoulder, trembling uncontrollably.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Please... protect my baby."
Daniel's heartbeat pounded inside his chest.
He gently lifted her chin and saw genuine terror in her eyes.
"This wasn't an accident," she whispered.
Someone had deliberately loosened the decorative carpet runner on the staircase moments before she walked down.
Daniel slowly looked upward.
Standing on the balcony above was Victoria Lawson, dressed in an elegant red suit.
She wasn't frightened.
She was smiling.