Victoria stood near the polished white railing overlooking the grand lower foyer.
She pointed toward a wooden chair placed dangerously close to the edge.
The balcony height was steep enough to frighten any young, small child.
Victoria told Lily that her father left a surprise on the upper shelf.
Lily looked at the high chair and felt a sudden wave of panic.
She told Victoria that her father forbade her from climbing near rails.
Victoria raised her voice and demanded that Lily climb up immediately.
She claimed that refusing to climb meant disobeying her father's direct orders.
Lily backed away, holding her small hands tightly against her bright sweater.
Victoria stepped forward and grabbed the little girl forcefully by the arm.
She dragged Lily right up to the edge of the smooth marble balcony.
The child began to cry out, asking for her absent father's help.
Victoria leaned down close and whispered harsh words into Lily's ear.
She threatened to send Lily away forever if she spoke a word.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors on the ground floor burst wide open.
David had forgotten his crucial financial files on his dark mahogany desk.
He walked into the high marble hall and looked upward at the noise.
His heart stopped as he saw Victoria grabbing his terrified daughter's arm.
Lily lost her balance near the loose wooden stool and slipped suddenly.
She teetered over the high marble railing with a terrified, loud scream.
David dropped his heavy briefcase and sprinted across the vast floor.
He moved faster than he ever had in his entire adult life.
The child slid past the top edge, catching the rail with one hand.
Victoria stood motionless above, making no effort to pull Lily back.
David reached the middle of the room as Lily lost her grip.
He dove across the slick floor with both arms stretched completely out.
The sound of his heavy landing echoed loudly off the hard walls.
He caught Lily firmly against his chest just before she struck ground.
The child sobbed loudly, wrapping her arms around her father's neck tightly.
David held her close, feeling her rapid heartbeat against his own chest.
He checked her arms and legs quickly to ensure zero physical injury.
Satisfied that Lily was safe, a dark rage filled his whole body.
He looked up toward the upper balcony where Victoria stood watching.
Her face showed complete shock that David had returned so unexpectedly quick.
David stood up slowly, lifting Lily into a comfortable holding position.
He walked toward the grand staircase with fierce determination in his eyes.