Sarah sprinted across the polished floor with every ounce of speed she possessed.
Her rubber sneakers squeaked loudly against the slick marble as she locked her eyes on the infant.
Victoria loosened her grip on the blanket right above the edge of the second-story balcony rail.
The swaddled bundle slipped from her fingers into the empty air above the lower hall.
Sarah launched herself forward into the air with her arms outstretched as far as possible.
She slid hard across the floor and caught the baby securely against her chest right before impact.
The force of the landing knocked the breath out of her lungs, but she held the baby safe.
Baby Leo began to cry loudly in fright as Sarah curled around him protectively on her knees.
Tears of pure relief streamed down Sarah's face as she checked the infant for any injuries.
Sarah: It's okay, you're safe now...
She rocked the child gently while holding him close to her racing heart.
Up on the balcony, Victoria gasped softly in complete shock at the sudden, unexpected catch.
Her face turned pale, and her hands trembled near her mouth as she stepped back slowly.
She had not anticipated the housemaid moving fast enough to reach the lower floor center.
Sarah looked up from the ground with tears in her eyes and glared at the woman above.
Victoria quickly tried to change her expression to look frightened and confused.
She leaned over the railing and reached out her hands as if attempting a desperate recovery.
Victoria: Oh my goodness, my foot slipped on the rug!
Sarah: You let go on purpose!
Victoria: Don't you dare say such a terrible thing to me!
Sarah stood up slowly while cradling the crying infant securely in her arms.
She backed away toward the heavy wooden front doors to protect the innocent child.
Victoria began descending the curved grand staircase with quick, nervous steps.
She tried to put on a show of maternal panic to cover her malicious action.
Victoria: Hand my son back to me right now, Sarah!
Sarah: Stay away from him until your husband returns home!
The heavy front doors suddenly swung open with a loud thud that echoed through the foyer.