Mark reached the top floor balcony within seconds, his lungs burning for air.
He swept Clara into his arms and pulled her safely back from the edge.
Clara wrapped her tiny arms around his neck and sobbed uncontrollably into his shirt.
Clara: She hurt me, Daddy! She grabbed my bag and pushed me down!
Mark held his daughter close and felt her body shaking with intense fear.
He stood up slowly and turned his gaze directly toward his new wife.
Victoria smoothed down her top and assumed a calm and innocent posture.
Victoria: She lost her balance while reaching for that cheap little toy car.
Victoria: I was only trying to save her from falling over the ledge.
Clara: No, Daddy! She threw my toy and shoved me to the ground!
Mark looked down at Clara's bruised wrist where red marks were clearly visible.
The outline of fingers matched the exact grip Victoria had used on the girl.
A wave of pure fury washed over Mark as the full reality hit him.
He stepped in front of Victoria, blocking her path toward the grand stairs.
Mark: You lay your hands on my child in my own house?
Victoria: You are overreacting as usual over a simple childhood lie!
Mark: Look at her arm! You did this to her on purpose!
Victoria stepped back against the brass railing, her cool composure finally breaking apart.
She saw the fierce dark anger shining deep inside Mark's clenching eyes.
Victoria: You care more about this child than our entire future together!
Mark: She is my daughter, and you are a monster who wanted her gone!
Mark raised his voice so loudly that the sound echoed off the high walls.
He pointed his finger directly at Victoria's chest with absolute unwavering authority.
Mark: Get away from my child and get out of this house right now!
Victoria: You cannot throw me out! We are legally married under the law!
Mark: Watch me put an end to this marriage before the day ends!
Clara held onto Mark's shirt, feeling safe in her father's protective grasp.
Victoria glared at both of them with bitter hatred burning in her eyes.
She knew her plan to secure the family trust fund had completely failed.
She turned around on her heels and rushed down the grand staircase alone.