The afternoon sun shone brightly over the marble foyer of the mansion.
Maria swept the floor near the entrance, keeping a watchful eye around.
Lily was playing quietly with her favorite doll on the upper landing.
Vanessa stood near the grand wooden staircase balcony, looking down coldly.
She felt bitter about the prenuptial agreement David had made her sign.
She knew that Lily was the sole beneficiary of David's estate.
Vanessa: Lily, bring your toys downstairs right now.
Lily: My hands are full, Vanessa, I need help.
Vanessa: Stop complaining and do what I tell you to do!
Vanessa grabbed the small girl roughly by her fragile arm.
Lily lost her footing on the slick wooden balcony floor.
Instead of holding her safely, Vanessa pulled her toward the edge.
She loosened her grip intentionally near the top step railing.
Vanessa: Oops, you are far too heavy for me!
Lily slipped off the step and screamed out in pure panic.
Maria looked up from the foyer floor and felt her heart stop.
Maria: No, stop, hold on to her!
Maria dropped her broom and sprinted across the slippery marble floor.
Her heart pounded wildly inside her chest as she moved fast.
Lily tumbled forward over the edge of the stair landing.
Maria threw her arms out and lunged forward with all her strength.
She caught the terrified child securely against her chest right in time.
Both of them slid across the smooth floor together.
Maria: I have got you, sweetie, you are safe!
Lily sobbed uncontrollably, clinging tightly to Maria's uniform shirt.
Lily: She let me go, Maria, she let me fall!
Maria held the crying girl tightly, shaking with pure fear.
She looked up at the balcony with furious, wide eyes.
Vanessa stood at the top, pretending to look deeply shocked.
Vanessa: Oh my goodness, she was so very slippery!
Maria: You pushed her, I saw you do it!
Vanessa slowly walked down the steps with an annoyed expression.
Vanessa: Watch your mouth, Maria, you are just a servant!
Maria stood up, keeping Lily safely behind her own back.
She was no longer afraid of losing her quiet job.
She was determined to protect this helpless innocent child.