The following Friday brought heavy cloud cover and a cool spring rainstorm over the private estate.
David had left early in the morning for a critical meeting regarding his firm's new corporate merger.
The large house felt strangely empty, save for Clara, Victoria, and two kitchen staff members downstairs.
Around mid-morning, Victoria walked into the grand foyer wearing an elegant emerald green silk dress and pearl earrings.
She called up to the second-floor landing where Clara was carefully strapping baby Leo into his portable car seat.
Victoria: Clara! Bring the baby down here right now!
Clara: Is something wrong, ma'am?
Victoria: The doctor's office called to confirm his check-up appointment!
Victoria: We need to leave for the clinic immediately!
Clara felt a wave of immediate confusion wash over her as she looked down at her watch.
Leo’s routine doctor visit was scheduled for next week, not today, according to the official family calendar.
Clara lifted the secure car seat, holding the sturdy handle firmly in her right hand as she stepped forward.
She walked out onto the second-floor balcony that overlooked the vast marble foyer down below.
Victoria was standing near the top of the sweeping grand staircase, waiting for her with a dark look.
Victoria: Hand me the car seat right now.
Clara: I can carry him down myself, ma'am.
Victoria: Give it to me, you foolish girl!
Victoria aggressively stepped forward and snatched at the handle of the car seat with sudden violent force.
She deliberately pushed the base toward the high decorative railing, trying to cause a terrifying accident.
Victoria: This family does not need you!
Clara: What are you doing?! Stop it!
Victoria shoved the heavy seat off balance toward the polished balcony edge, shouting out loud.
Clara’s instincts kicked in instantly, and she threw her entire body forward without a second thought.
She dropped to her knees, sliding across the slick oak floor to grab the handle with both hands.
The car seat tipped over the ledge for a terrifying second before Clara pulled it back to safety.
She pulled the seat tightly against her chest, her arms trembling wildly as baby Leo started crying out loud.
Clara: It is okay, sweet baby, you are safe!
Clara: I have got you, I have got you!
Victoria stumbled back against the painted wall, her face flushed red with pure, uncontrolled rage.
Victoria: You should have just let go of it!
Clara: You are absolute evil! You tried to hurt him!
Before Victoria could take another step toward Clara, the double front doors burst open down below.