The office was silent except for the soft ticking of the clock.
Mark walked over to his large mahogany desk and sat down slowly.
He looked at his wife, who refused to make direct eye contact with him.
Mark: Why was Lily near the balcony edge in the first place?
Victoria: I was just taking her out to get fresh morning air.
Victoria: Clara snuck up behind me and frightened me into slipping!
Clara shook her head firmly, standing her ground near the office door.
Clara: I was nowhere near the balcony, Mr. Sterling, and you know it.
Clara: Check the security cameras that watch over the main grand foyer.
Victoria's face turned completely ghost white at the mention of the cameras.
She had forgotten about the high-definition security system installed last month.
Mark leaned forward on his desk, his eyes narrowing as he watched her.
Mark: That is a great idea, Clara. Let us review the video feed.
Victoria: No, Mark, wait! There is no need for all of that!
Victoria took a quick step toward the desk, waving her hands nervously.
Victoria: We do not need to involve security staff in family matters.
Mark reached under his desk and pulled up the security monitor app.
He typed in his secret password and pulled up the morning recording.
The video clearly showed Clara polishing the dining room table on the ground.
It showed Victoria walking onto the balcony holding the helpless infant girl.
The camera captured the exact moment Victoria extended her arms deliberately outward.
It showed her opening her hands and letting the child fall into space.
Mark's breath hitched in his chest as he watched the horrifying footage.
His jaw clenched tightly as real heartbreak turned into scorching rage inside.
Mark: You tried to harm my only daughter for your own gain.
Victoria: It was an accident! I lost my grip, I swear!
Mark: The video shows you letting go on purpose, Victoria!
Clara stepped forward slightly, her voice calm but completely steady and strong.
Clara: She wanted the family inheritance all for herself, Mr. Sterling.
Clara: I overheard her on the phone yesterday talking to a divorce lawyer.
Victoria snapped her head around, glaring at Clara with dangerous eyes.
Victoria: You quiet little rat, you have been spying on me!
Mark: Do not speak to her like that in my house ever again!
Mark slammed his hand down on the wooden desk with a loud crack.
The sudden noise made Victoria jump back in total terror and surprise.
Mark: Clara saved my daughter's life while you tried to destroy it.