Marcus sprinted across the polished marble floor with immense sudden speed.
He lunged forward right beneath the open center of the grand balcony.
He extended both arms high into the air as Lily fell downward.
He caught her firmly in his arms just inches above the floor.
The sudden heavy impact knocked Marcus down onto his knee joints.
He wrapped both arms around his daughter, holding her close to him.
Lily gasped for air, sobbing uncontrollably against his navy blue jacket.
Lily: Daddy, Daddy, I was so scared, she pushed me!
Marcus: Shh, you are safe now, sweetie, I have you!
Marcus held her so tightly that his own hands began to shake.
He checked her head, her arms, and her legs for injuries.
Lily was completely unhurt, but she cried softly against his firm chest.
Marcus stood up while holding his daughter safely against his chest shoulder.
He looked up toward the high balcony near the grand US flag.
Victoria was standing at the edge, staring down with pale skin.
She looked completely frozen as she realized Marcus was holding Lily.
Victoria: Marcus, oh my goodness, it was an absolute awful accident!
Marcus: Do not speak another word to me right now, Victoria!
Marcus carried Lily up the wide carpeted stairs step by step.
His face was red with intense fury and deep protective instinct.
He placed Lily gently down inside her bedroom near her bed.
Marcus: Lock this bedroom door from the inside until I return, sweetie.
Lily: Please do not let her come back near me again.
Marcus: She will never get close to you ever again, I promise.
Marcus closed the bedroom door and turned toward the wide balcony corridor.
Victoria was trembling as she stepped back against the decorative wall space.
She tried to put on a soft and innocent face quickly.
Victoria: She tripped on her dress, Marcus, I tried grabbing her!
Marcus: I saw what happened with my own eyes, Victoria!
Marcus stepped forward quickly and confronted her near the large flag.
He pointed his finger directly at her face while shouting loudly.
Marcus: You put my little girl in extreme danger in this home!
Victoria: Please calm down and listen to my side of story!
Marcus: Pack your bags and get out of my house right now!