Richard pulled his cell phone out of his inner coat pocket and dialed three simple digits with trembling fingers.
He held the phone to his ear while staring coldly at Clarissa, who had collapsed onto a nearby chair.
He reported the dangerous incident to the local emergency dispatcher in a firm, steady, professional business voice.
He requested both police officers and a medical team to check on the young infant down on the floor.
Clarissa hid her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with long, silent sobs of total defeat now.
Downstairs, the heavy front doors opened again, and the family doctor walked quickly into the bright foyer area.
Dr. Evans had taken care of the Sterling family health needs for more than twenty long years in town.
He hurried over to Elena and gently took the infant into his experienced arms for a fast physical exam.
Dr. Evans: Is the child breathing normally right now, Elena?
Elena: Yes, Doctor, he seems completely unharmed by the fall.
Dr. Evans: You saved a precious life today with your quick action.
Elena: I just did what anyone else would have done, sir.
Dr. Evans: No, Elena, most people would have frozen in terror.
The doctor carefully checked the baby's eyes, heartbeat, and small limbs while sitting on the velvet sofa nearby.
He confirmed that the infant was in good health and had suffered no physical injuries from the drop event.
Richard walked down the grand marble staircase slowly, his face looking tired and years older than before today.
He walked over to Dr. Evans and placed a gentle hand on top of his baby's soft head cover.
A look of deep relief washed over his stern face as he saw his son breathing peacefully in sunlight.
He turned his head toward Elena, who was standing quietly near the tall marble column by the front doors.
He realized that he had never really spoken to his maid about her own life or her daily struggles.
He had spent so much time working at the office that he neglected what truly mattered in his home.
Richard: Elena, I owe you an apology for not listening sooner.
Elena: You do not owe me anything, Master Richard, truly.
Richard: You saved my son when my own wife failed him.
Elena: I only care about the safety of this innocent child.
Richard: You have shown more loyalty than anyone in this house.
Clarissa came down the stairs slowly, holding the banister with both hands like an old, weak woman today.
Her eyes were fixed on the floor, knowing that her life of luxury was coming to an end right now.