Sarah dropped her heavy leather briefcase onto the floor without stopping.
She leaped forward across the bottom steps of the grand staircase.
Her arms wrapped securely around Clara's waist just before the girl hit the hard steps.
The momentum carried both of them down to the soft rug below.
Sarah landed on her knees, sliding across the slick stone floor.
She held the frightened young girl tightly against her chest.
Sarah: I have got you, sweetie. You are totally safe now.
Clara: Aunt Sarah! She broke my mother's precious necklace!
Sarah: Take a deep breath, Clara. I am right here with you.
Sarah brushed the soft blonde hair away from Clara's tear-stained face.
She checked Clara's arms and legs to make sure she was not injured.
The young girl clung tightly to Sarah's beige suit coat.
Up on the upper balcony, Victoria leaned casually against the wooden railing.
She held the silver metal scissors lightly between her long fingers.
A satisfied cold smile crossed Victoria's face as she looked down.
Victoria: You always had to ruin everything, Sarah.
Sarah: How could you endanger an innocent child like this?
Victoria: She was careless and tripped on her own feet.
Sarah: You cut her necklace on purpose!
Victoria: You have no proof of anything, dear sister-in-law.
Sarah carefully helped Clara sit down on a nearby leather sofa.
Sarah: Sit here for a minute and do not move, Clara.
Clara: Please do not leave my side, Aunt Sarah.
Sarah: I am going to settle this right now.
Sarah turned around and marched up the grand marble staircase.
Her heels clicked loudly against the hard stone steps with determination.
Victoria did not move an inch as Sarah approached the upper balcony.
Victoria: Do not take another step toward me.
Sarah: You have crossed the line for the last time today!
Victoria: This is my house now, Sarah.
Sarah: My late brother built this home for his daughter!
Sarah stood face to face with Victoria on the high landing.
Her eyes flashed with deep anger and protective strength.
Sarah: How could you treat my niece like a stranger in her home?
Victoria: Because she reminds me of her mother every day.
Sarah: You will answer for this cruelty today!