Elena did not hesitate for even a single second.
She dropped her yellow dusting cloth directly onto the floor.
She sprinted across the polished marble as fast as her legs could push her forward.
Above the balcony, Victoria gave the car seat a final sharp shove over the rail.
The heavy plastic carrier tipped over the edge and fell through the open air.
A terrified gasp escaped Elena's throat as she dove across the wide hallway.
The carrier rushed downward toward the hard marble tiles with frightening speed.
Elena slid on her knees across the smooth white floor with arms stretched wide open.
She caught the heavy plastic car seat tightly against her chest just inches from the ground.
The sudden impact knocked the breath out of her lungs instantly.
She pulled the carrier close to her body to cushion the rough hit.
Baby Leo began to cry loudly, frightened by the sudden drop through the air.
Elena quickly pulled back the sunshade shield of the seat with trembling hands.
She checked his tiny arms and his small legs to make sure he was unhurt.
Elena: It's okay baby, you're safe now!
She held the crying child tightly in her arms, tears spilling down her own cheeks.
Up on the high balcony rail, Victoria stared down with wide, furious eyes.
Her plan to eliminate the child had failed completely because of a simple maid.
She tightened her hands into hard fists against her expensive teal dress.
She began hurrying down the wide grand staircase with sharp, angry steps.
Her high heels made a fast clicking sound on the white stone steps.
Victoria: Shut up! Don't say a single word!
Victoria pointed her finger directly at Elena as she reached the main floor hallway.
Elena cradled the sobbing baby against her shoulder, standing her ground firmly.
Elena: How could you do such a horrible thing to an innocent child?!
Victoria: You are just a foolish maid who cleans my toilets!
Victoria: Nobody will ever believe your ridiculous story over my word!
Victoria stepped closer, trying to grab the baby carrier away from Elena's hands.
Elena pulled back quickly, putting her own body between Victoria and the baby.
Just then, the heavy front entry doors of the mansion swung open with a loud bang.
Richard Sterling walked into the sunlit foyer wearing a dark grey tailored suit.
He carried his leather briefcase in his right hand, looking tired from his flight.
He stopped dead in his tracks as the sound of screaming filled the room.
An American flag hanging on the foyer wall framed his tall figure.
Richard: What is going on here?!
Richard set his heavy briefcase onto the floor with a dark frown.
Victoria instantly changed her expression from angry rage to deep, innocent sorrow.
She put her hands over her face and began to fake loud, heavy sob sounds.
Victoria: Oh Richard, thank goodness you are finally home!
Victoria: The maid was so clumsy near the upper balcony railing!
Victoria: She almost dropped our little Leo down the open stairs!