The stroller plummeted downward through the center of the tall two-story foyer.
Clara sprinted across the slippery marble floor under the massive hanging flag.
Her gray uniform dress whipped against her knees as she launched her body forward.
She dove straight across the floor with her arms extended as far as possible.
Her fingers wrapped firmly around the leather side handles of the falling stroller.
The metal frame slammed against her chest with a heavy and dull thud.
Clara slid three feet across the slick floor before coming to a stop.
She clutched the carriage tightly against her arms to absorb the final shock.
The heavy legal binder and delicate items inside remained completely undamaged and safe.
Clara: I have got you! Nothing is broken!
Clara gasped for breath while lying flat on her back on the marble.
She slowly pulled herself up to a kneeling position near the staircase.
Her knees were bruised from the hard impact against the solid stone floor.
From the top balcony, Victoria stared down with wide eyes filled with rage.
She had expected the stroller to smash into pieces on the stone floor.
She wanted to claim Clara had knocked it over out of extreme carelessness.
That lie would have allowed Victoria to fire Clara and blame the loss.
Before Victoria could say another word, the heavy double front doors swung open.
The loud wooden echo filled the entire hall with a sharp, booming sound.
Arthur Vance walked into the house carrying his black leather business briefcase.
He wore a light gray suit and looked exhausted from his morning meetings.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Clara kneeling on floor.
Arthur: What on earth just happened here in my house?!
Clara: Sir! Thank goodness you are back home right now!
Arthur: Why are you on the floor with that carriage?
Clara looked up at her boss with urgent eyes and a steady voice.
Clara: Sir, please! Your wife deliberately pushed the stroller over the balcony!
Arthur froze in absolute shock as he looked up at the high balcony.
Victoria was already running down the grand staircase as fast as she could.
Her light blue gown rustled loudly with every rapid step she took down.
She pointed her long painted fingernail directly at Clara's face with fury.
Victoria: Shut your mouth! Don't you dare say another word!
Clara: I am telling the truth, Mr. Vance! She pushed it!
Victoria: You clumsy fool! You tripped and knocked it over yourself!