Clara sat on the hard marble floor, holding baby Leo tightly against her trembling chest.
Tears of deep relief streamed down her face as the baby slowly calmed down in her warm embrace.
She stroked his soft hair and whispered gentle words of comfort to settle his fright.
Up on the balcony, Victoria stood frozen in absolute shock, her face pale with bitter anger.
She had not expected the quiet housemaid to move with such desperate speed and courage.
Just then, the heavy front doors of the mansion swung open with a loud, resounding thud.
Arthur Sterling stepped into the grand foyer, carrying his leather briefcase after returning from a quick meeting.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Clara kneeling on the stairs with the sobbing baby.
Arthur: What in the world is going on here, Clara?
Clara pointed up toward the high balcony where Victoria was still standing in her green gown.
Clara: Sir, she purposely dropped your precious baby off the ledge!
Arthur's eyes widened in horror as he looked up at his new wife standing above them.
Arthur: Is this true, Victoria?
Victoria quickly adjusted her posture, putting on a dramatic expression of grief and panic.
Victoria: Wait, darling, it was a terrible accident, I swear to you!
Arthur: Get away from that railing right now!
Arthur dropped his heavy briefcase onto the floor and began sprinting up the curved marble staircase.
His heavy dress shoes echoed loudly through the high foyer as he took the steps two at a time.
His heart pounded with pure fury and horror as the truth began to settle in his mind.
He reached the top landing in seconds, his face flushed with deep anger and shock.
Victoria backed away against the tall windows, holding her hands up in a desperate plea.
Victoria: She is lying to you, Arthur, she tripped me and caused the baby to slip!
Arthur: Do not dare tell another lie in my house!
Arthur stepped right into her path, his tall frame towering over her in deep rage.
Arthur: I heard every single word from the hallway, you monster!
Victoria: Darling, please, you have to listen to me!
Arthur: I have listened to enough of your poison for a lifetime.
He pointed a firm finger toward the grand staircase, his voice booming across the entire estate.
Arthur: You are finished in this house, and you will answer for every bit of this!