Julian rushed forward across the hall as the tension filled the warm house.
Victoria pointed a shaking finger at the young maid standing near the edge.
Victoria: She is trying to destroy our family name with forged documents!
Clara: I did not forge anything, ma'am! This has the official seal!
Julian looked closely at the thick legal envelope sticking out of Clara's apron.
Julian: Let me see those papers right now, Clara.
Victoria: Do not listen to her lies, Julian! Hand them to me!
Victoria grabbed Clara's arm with a firm grip and pulled her roughly forward.
Clara pulled back to keep her balance on the polished floor.
Clara: Let go of me! You are hurting my arm!
Julian: Stop putting your hands on her right now, Victoria!
The older woman ignored Julian's loud warning and reached for the paper envelope again.
She tried to snatch the secret will away before anyone else could read it.
Clara stepped backward to avoid her reach and hit the decorative railing hard.
The tall white balcony was high above the grand marble entrance floor below.
Clara looked down for a brief second and felt her head start to spin.
Clara: Please step away from me! I am going to call the police!
Victoria: You will not ruin my life over old papers!
Victoria stepped forward again with a dark look on her face.
She reached out aggressively to grab the envelope from Clara's uniform pocket.
Julian sprinted down the long upper hall to get between the two women.
Julian: Victoria, step away from the railing right now!
Victoria pushed Clara's shoulders hard to knock the girl off balance.
Clara lost her footing on the smooth floor near the open decorative rail.
A sharp gasp tore from her throat as she slipped toward the open air.
Clara: Help me! I am falling!
Julian gasped in utter shock as he saw the dangerous slip happen.
The papers flew high into the air as Clara lost her grip entirely.
Victoria froze in terror as she realized what her aggressive push had caused.
Julian did not hesitate for a single second when he saw Clara fall.
He vaulted over the upper stairs to reach the lower floor quickly.
His shoes slid fast across the smooth checkered floor toward the landing area.
Julian: I've got you!
Julian lunged forward across the slick marble with his arms outstretched wide.
He caught Clara securely in his arms just as she reached the bottom landing.
The heavy impact sent them both sliding across the smooth marble floor together.
They stopped sliding right beside the grand lower staircase post.
Clara was shaking violently in his arms as she breathed in deep gulps.
Julian held her tightly to make sure she was completely unharmed.
Julian: Are you all right? Hold on, you are safe now.
Clara nodded slowly as tears rolled down her warm cheeks.
Up on the high balcony, Victoria stood completely silent in total shock.