The morning sun beamed brightly through the floor to ceiling glass windows of the grand estate.
Sarah adjusted the soft collar of her beige blouse while sitting near the living room rug.
Her little boy, Leo, laughed happily while playing with his plastic toy blocks on the floor.
The toddler was only two years old and full of energy on this warm sunny morning.
Sarah watched him carefully because the grand white marble staircase was located nearby.
The family had recently installed a sturdy metal safety gate right at the top landing.
Sarah wanted to make sure her sweet toddler never wandered near the steep stairs alone.
She placed another wooden block on top of Leo's colorful tower to make him laugh.
Suddenly, the sound of sharp high heels echoed across the polished floor above them.
Victoria walked along the upper hallway wearing her custom sleeveless emerald green dress.
She looked down at Sarah with a icy glare that made the room feel chilly.
Victoria had married Mark six months ago after a very brief engagement in the city.
Ever since then, Victoria had acted cold toward Sarah and little toddler Leo.
Sarah was Mark's former wife, but they shared custody of their sweet child amicably.
Mark had invited Sarah over that morning so she could spend time with Leo before work.
Victoria leaned over the upper railing while holding a cup of steaming hot black coffee.
Victoria: Why must you always hang around our private home so early in the morning?
Sarah: I came here to see my son during my scheduled visit, Victoria.
Victoria: This house belongs to Mark and me now, so you should leave soon.
Sarah: My arrangement is directly with Mark, and it was approved by the family lawyer.
Victoria scoffed loudly before walking over toward the heavy wooden gate at the stairs.
Sarah stood up quickly from the rug because she felt a sudden surge of worry.
She watched Victoria reach down toward the secure metal latch on the safety gate.
With a quick snap, Victoria quietly pulled the latch open and pushed the gate back.
She left the entrance to the steep marble stairs wide open and exposed.
Leo giggled as he rolled his small red toy car toward the hallway corridor.
The little toddler began toddling directly toward the open stair top at full speed.
Sarah dropped her handbag immediately and dashed toward the grand white marble staircase.
Sarah: Leo, stop right where you are sweetie!
Victoria stepped back into the shadow of the hallway without lifting a single finger.
The toddler lost his footing near the edge of the polished marble step.
Sarah sprinted up the lower steps and reached out both arms with all her strength.
She caught Leo securely in her arms just as he slipped near the top edge.
Sarah pulled her crying toddler tightly into her chest while kneeling safely on the landing.
Sarah: I got you, baby, you are completely safe now!
Her heart pounded wildly inside her chest as she held her precious boy close.
She looked up directly at Victoria with fiery eyes filled with sheer disbelief.