Victoria stood right at the edge of the high upper railing.
She was holding baby Leo out over the hard marble floor.
The baby was crying softly in the cold afternoon draft.
Elena felt her heart freeze solid inside her chest right then.
She knew she had to act fast before it was too late.
Elena: Stop, don't drop him!
Elena sprinted across the polished white floor with all her speed.
She slid across the smooth marble just as Victoria let go.
Elena caught the small baby safely in her strong open arms.
She dropped down hard on her knees against the stone floor.
She held the crying infant tightly against her pounding chest now.
Tears swept down Elena's freckled cheeks as she held him close.
She looked up at the high balcony with complete emotional shock.
Victoria stared down with a pale, cold, and angry expression.
Elena: You should not have interfered!
Victoria: Mind your own business, you foolish little housemaid!
Elena: He is an innocent baby who never hurt anyone!
Victoria: You do not understand how much money is at stake!
Elena: No amount of wealth is worth a human life!
Victoria turned her back and walked away toward her bedroom door.
Elena rocked the crying baby gently back and forth right there.
She checked his small arms and legs for any bad injuries.
Thankfully, the sweet little boy was completely safe and unhurt now.
Suddenly, the heavy front double doors of the mansion swung open.
Richard Sterling rushed inside with a panicked look on his face.
He saw Elena on her knees with the crying child held tight.