The small green dress fluttered through the open air as Lily slipped off the high smooth ledge.
A terrified scream echoed loudly through the high ceilings of the vast, empty mansion entrance hall.
Clara did not stop to think about her own personal safety for even a brief fraction of a second.
She sprinted across the smooth marble floor with incredible speed, extending her arms directly outward.
Her heart leapt into her throat as she slid across the hard stone just in time.
Lily fell directly into Clara's waiting arms, her small body shaking violently with absolute fear.
The impact knocked Clara firmly onto her knees, sending a sharp pain through her lower back.
She wrapped her arms tightly around the trembling child, holding her head safely against her chest.
Clara: Shh, I have got you safe, little angel, you are completely safe now.
Lily: Clara, she let go of me on purpose!
Lily wept loudly into Clara's shoulder, holding onto the maid's grey apron with tiny hands.
Up on the high balcony, Evelyn stood frozen with her jaw open in complete shock and disbelief.
She had never expected the quiet, meek maid to move with such terrifying physical speed.
Evelyn quickly tried to adjust her designer dress, trying to compose her sudden panicked expression.
Evelyn: It was an terrible accident! The child lost her balance while looking over the edge!
Clara: You pushed her forward, and I saw it with my own two eyes!
Clara spoke with a fierce, protective voice that she had never used in that house before.
She remained on her knees, checking Lily's arms and legs to ensure no bones were broken.
A bright red bruise was forming on Clara's cheek from striking the hard floor during her slide.
Despite her own sharp physical pain, her only concern was protecting the frightened young girl.
Evelyn: How dare you accuse me of such a terrible thing, you lowly servant!
Clara: I will tell Mr. Vance every single detail of what just happened here tonight!
Evelyn slowly walked down the marble staircase, her heels clicking angrily against the hard steps.
Her face twisted into a menacing mask of panic as she realized her plan had completely failed.
Evelyn: No one in this town will ever believe a poor maid over a wealthy woman like me!
Clara: God saw what you did, and truth always finds a way into the light.
Lily clung tighter to Clara, burying her wet face deeper into the warm maid uniform.
Evelyn stepped off the last stair, reaching out her hand to grab Lily away from Clara.
Evelyn: Give me that child right now before I have you arrested for trespassing!
Clara: Do not lay another hand on this little girl while I am still standing here!
Before Evelyn could take another aggressive step forward, a heavy key turned loudly in the front door lock.
The massive wooden double entrance doors flung open violently, hitting the interior walls with a bang.