Victoria stood near the elegant wrought-iron railing overlooking the main floor below.
She wore a tight golden dress that glittered under the high chandelier lights.
In her arms, she held baby Chloe right over the open drop.
Elena stopped instantly at the edge of the hallway, her heart suddenly pounding.
The scene looked completely unsafe and terrifying from down on the main floor.
Victoria tilted her head back and looked around the empty double-height living area.
She did not seem to notice Elena standing in the shadows below.
Elena saw Victoria slowly loosen her tight grip on the small blanket bundle.
It looked completely intentional, like someone opening their hands without a care.
The baby slipped forward over the high railing toward the hard floor.
Elena did not pause or hesitate for even a single second.
She sprinted forward at full speed across the wide marble floor space.
Her knees slammed hard against the stone surface as she threw her arms out.
Elena caught the baby safely right above the hard white floor.
She pulled the tiny child against her chest and gasped for breath.
Tears spilled down Elena's face as she held the trembling baby close.
Up above, Victoria gasped loudly and gripped the iron railing in terror.
She had not realized that the housemaid was standing nearby watching everything.
Elena looked up with wild eyes and pointed at the balcony.
She yelled out in a panicked voice that echoed across the home.