Victoria walked quickly through the hallway holding the infant wrapped in a blanket.
She had taken the child from the crib while Mark was checking the mail.
Mark entered the hallway just as she reached the edge of the smooth floor.
Mark: Why did you take him out of his crib without telling me?
Victoria: He was crying and needed fresh air out on the terrace.
Mark: He was fast asleep when I left the room two minutes ago!
Victoria turned around quickly on her high heels across the slippery marble.
Her foot snagged on the edge of a decorative silk rug near the pillar.
She lost her balance suddenly and gasped in sheer terror.
The swaddled blanket began to slip out of her arms toward the hard ground.
Mark sprinted forward without pausing for even a fraction of a second.
His feet dug into the smooth stone floor with intense drive.
He dove heroically across the vast foyer space with extended arms.
The baby fell downward as Victoria lost her grip completely.
Mark slid across the polished marble right under the falling bundle.
He caught the baby securely against his chest just inches above the stone.
The force of his slide brought him right to the base of the wall display.
He held his breath while checking the tiny baby's face.
The infant opened his eyes and let out a soft quiet sound.
Mark let out a deep breath of immense relief and comfort.
He brought the child close and kissed his forehead tenderly.
Victoria stumbled sideways against the marble pillar in absolute horror.
Her hands trembled violently as she gasped for cold air.
Mark: You almost dropped my innocent boy on this stone floor!
Victoria: It was a complete accident, Mark, I tripped on the carpet!
Mark: You were careless because you were rushing to hide those papers!
Mark stood up swiftly while holding his son safely in both arms.
His posture was tall and filled with righteous anger.
Victoria backed away until her shoulders hit the grand wall behind her.
She could see the burning rage in Mark's dark eyes.
The silence in the grand room was thick and terrifying.
Mark stepped forward with complete authority and absolute purpose.
He glared down at her with unyielding resolve.
Mark: Do not ever touch my child again!
Victoria shrank back against the wall with tears welling in her eyes.
She realized then that her control over the household was completely broken.