Clara stayed on her knees while holding little Lily close against her trembling shoulders.
The child wept loudly from the sudden fear of the terrifying drop near the marble stairs.
Clara: Hush now, sweet girl, you are completely safe in my arms right now.
Clara checked the toddler's arms and small legs to ensure there were no visible injuries anywhere.
The grand front double doors of the mansion suddenly burst open with a loud booming noise.
Richard Montgomery walked into the expansive entryway carrying his dark leather business briefcase.
He stopped dead in his tracks on the shiny floor when he saw the emotional scene before him.
His young daughter was sobbing uncontrollably on the ground inside the housemaid's tight embrace.
Richard: What on earth is going on inside my house right now, Clara?
Before Clara could answer her employer, Evelyn rushed franticly down the winding grand staircase.
She wiped fake tears from her eyes as she pointed a sharp finger directly at Clara's face.
Evelyn: Richard, thank goodness you are home, because this careless maid almost killed our child!
Richard dropped his heavy briefcase onto the floor as his eyebrows furrowed in deep confusion.
Richard: What are you talking about, Evelyn, explain what just happened up there!
Evelyn: I caught her pushing little Lily right over the upper balcony railing in cold blood!
Clara's jaw dropped in absolute shock as she listened to the horrifying lie being spoken aloud.
She lifted her head while still holding the small child safely in her lap on the floor.
Clara: That is a complete lie, sir, I saved your daughter from falling down!
Evelyn: Do not dare to talk back to my husband after what you just attempted to do!
Evelyn dropped to her knees near Richard and tried to pull Lily away from the maid.
However, the small girl wrapped her tiny arms even tighter around Clara's grey uniform collar.
Lily buried her tear-stained face into Clara's neck while shying away from her mother's outstretched hand.
Richard observed his small daughter's strong reaction with sharp, analytical eyes from where he stood.
He stepped closer to the three of them while taking a deep, steadying breath of air.
Richard: Clara, look at me right now and tell me your side of this story.
Clara: The balcony gate was unlatched, sir, and Mrs. Montgomery held her over the edge.
Evelyn: She is trying to shift the blame onto me because she knows she will go to prison!
Evelyn raised her voice into an unnatural scream that echoed loudly across the high ceiling.
Evelyn: Fire her immediately, Richard, and call the police to take this dangerous monster away!
Richard stood completely silent for a long moment while looking between his wife and the maid.