Elena moved instantly before her mind could even process the clear danger.
She darted across the slick white marble floor with surprising natural speed.
The small loose diamond was falling rapidly through the open air space.
Elena threw herself forward and slid hard across the polished floor panels.
Her knees hit the cold marble floor with a loud sharp impact.
She extended both hands outward as far as her arms could stretch.
The precious centerpiece diamond landed safely right inside her open cupped palms.
Elena slid another foot before coming to a complete sudden stop.
She rested her forehead against the cool marble and gasped for oxygen.
Her lungs burned as she cradled the tiny gemstone against her chest.
The sheer adrenaline of the rapid leap made her heart race wildly.
Up on the balcony railing, Victoria let out a loud frantic gasp.
The woman clung to the iron bars while hyperventilating in visible shock.
She had not realized that the quiet maid was standing downstairs nearby.
Victoria looked down over the balcony railing with wide frightened eyes.
Her face lost all its normal color as she stared at Elena.
Elena slowly sat up on her knees while maintaining her firm grip.
She looked down at the bright shining jewel resting in her hands.
The original gold setting on the staircase top lay utterly empty now.
Victoria: Give that back to me right now, Elena!
Victoria shouted her sharp command down from the upper balcony railing.
Her voice sounded strained, panicky, and unusually high in pitch.
Elena: Mrs. Sterling, why were you breaking the family necklace?
Elena asked the direct question with a visibly shaking lower voice.
Victoria: Do not ask stupid questions that do not concern you!
Victoria hurried down the winding carpeted stairs as fast as possible.
Her emerald green dress rustled loudly with every heavy quick step.
Victoria: Hand that stone over before I fire you this second!
Elena slowly stood up from the cold floor and backed away slightly.
She felt a sudden strong wave of suspicion rise in her chest.
Why would the wealthy mistress try to ruin her own jewelry secretly?
Elena remembered hearing rumors about unpaid corporate debts from the accountant.
Victoria reached the bottom step and pointed a sharp long fingernail forward.
Victoria: That gem belongs to me and my personal estate account!
Elena: Mr. Sterling said this piece was listed under the trust!
Victoria's expression turned instantly from panic to dark bitter anger.
She stepped closer to Elena and tried to snatch the gem away.
Elena pulled her hands back quickly to keep the piece safe.
The front double doors suddenly swung wide open with heavy sound.
Arthur Sterling stepped into the grand foyer holding his leather briefcase.
He stopped immediately as he noticed the dramatic confrontation before him.