Evelyn leaned over the low stone railing near the top of the stairs.
Her hands tilted forward, sending the swaddled baby sliding over the slippery marble edge.
Leo began to cry as he slipped from the balcony toward the floor.
Clara did not hesitate or pause for even a split fraction of a second.
She sprinted across the polished grand foyer faster than she had ever run before.
Her feet skidded slightly on the slick tile near the central display table.
She threw her body forward with both arms outstretched into the open air.
The blue blanket rushed down toward the hard black and white checkered floor.
Clara dove onto the floor and scooped the baby into her chest safely.
The heavy impact knocked the wind right out of Clara's lungs instantly.
She rolled onto her side to shield the child from any sudden force.
Leo was crying loudly, but he was completely unharmed in her arms.
Clara held the crying infant tightly against her shoulder while shivering uncontrollably.
Clara: I have got you, my sweet baby boy.
Clara: You are safe now, I promise you.
She pressed her cheek gently against Leo's soft forehead to soothe him.
Her heart pounded like a loud hammer behind her ribs as tears fell.
Up on the balcony, Evelyn gasped in utter shock and deep annoyance.
She had not expected the quiet maid to move with such terrifying speed.
Evelyn quickly smoothed down her blue sequin dress with shaking hands.
She began adjusting her high heels to appear completely calm and unbothered.
Then, the massive wooden front doors burst open with a loud thud.
Julian walked inside, holding a thick leather briefcase under his right arm.
He had forgotten key court documents for his morning inheritance meeting downtown.
He froze near the entryway when he saw the emotional scene before him.
Clara was sitting on the floor with tears streaming down her dusty cheeks.
She was hugging little Leo tightly while pointing one hand toward the balcony.
Clara: Mr. Vance, thank God you came back!
Clara: She pushed him, she tried to drop your baby boy!
Julian's face turned pale as he dropped his leather briefcase to the floor.
He looked up at the balcony where his new wife stood frozen.
Evelyn put a hand over her chest and put on a fake smile.
She immediately began walking down the grand curving staircase toward them.