The swaddled baby slipped from Victoria's hands and began falling straight toward the hard marble floor below.
Elena did not hesitate for a single second as panic shot through her entire body like lightning.
She dropped her cleaning rag and sprinted across the shiny polished floor at top speed.
Her feet slid across the slick marble surface as she threw her body forward with arms extended wide.
The baby cried loudly as he plummeted through the open space of the massive living room area.
Elena dove across the ground, sliding on her knees across the smooth stone with desperate strength.
She caught the soft blue bundle snugly against her chest just inches before it hit the floor.
The impact made her slide several feet across the room until she bumped into the leather sofa.
Elena curled her body around baby Leo, protecting his delicate frame with her own arms and chest.
The baby continued crying loudly, frightened by the sudden drop and the sharp movement through space.
Elena sat up on the floor, holding the infant close while tears streamed down her own warm cheeks.
Elena: It's okay, sweet baby, you are safe now, I have you.
She pressed the blanket against her heart, breathing heavily while her hands shook uncontrollably from shock.
Up on the second-floor balcony, Victoria stood frozen, staring down at the main foyer in shock.
She had not expected the maid to be in the main hall during her quiet afternoon routine.
Victoria's face turned completely pale as she realized her terrible deed had been witnessed by the staff.
She quickly tried to change her expression, pulling her face into a look of fake panic and grief.
Before Victoria could speak, the massive wooden front doors of the mansion burst open with a bang.
Richard Sterling stepped into the foyer carrying his leather briefcase after returning early from his downtown office.
He heard the sound of the heavy doors and the loud crying of his infant son immediately.
Richard dropped his briefcase onto the floor as he saw his maid sitting on the cold tiles crying.
He rushed across the room toward Elena, his heart pounding in his chest with deep worry.
Richard: What happened here, why is Leo crying so hard on the floor?
Elena raised her arm, her finger shaking as she pointed straight up at the second-floor balcony.
Elena: Sir, she intentionally threw your baby off the balcony railing down to the ground!