Ethan Carter had just entered the mansion when he heard the scream.
Instinct took over before he even understood what was happening.
Looking up, he saw Sophia falling from the second-floor balcony.
Without hesitation, he sprinted down the long marble corridor.
Every step echoed through the grand hallway.
Servants shouted for help.
Guests moved out of his way.
Sophia continued falling toward the polished floor below.
There wasn't time to think.
Only time to act.
As she dropped closer to the ground, Ethan launched himself forward.
He dropped onto one knee and slid across the smooth marble floor with every ounce of strength he had.
A powerful impact echoed through the foyer as he caught Sophia in his arms just before she struck the ground.
The force pushed both of them across the floor, but he refused to let go.
For several terrifying seconds, neither of them moved.
Sophia slowly opened her eyes.
She looked up in complete shock, realizing she was still alive.
Her breathing was rapid.
Her hands instinctively covered her stomach.
Tears streamed down her face as she realized her baby had survived the fall as well.
Ethan carefully helped her sit upright at the base of the staircase.
Then he slowly lifted his eyes toward the second-floor balcony.
The older woman was still standing there.
Watching.
Not moving.
His expression hardened instantly.
Every trace of relief disappeared from his face.
Only determination remained.
Without taking his eyes off the balcony, Ethan spoke in a calm but commanding voice.
"Call the police."
The words echoed through the silent mansion.
Within moments, guests reached for their phones while security guards rushed toward the staircase.
The woman on the balcony finally realized something terrifying.
Her attempt to silence the truth had failed.
And now...
There would be witnesses.