The heavy crystal chandelier swayed gently over the grand mansion foyer as screaming tore through the house.
High above the black-and-white marble tiles, Eleanor leaned over the gold second-floor balcony railing, her off-white cowl-neck gown trailing behind her.
In her tight grip, three-year-old Mia squirmed and cried hysterically, her tiny light blue dress wrinkled against her small body.
Mia: Mommy, no! Let me go! I want Daddy!
Eleanor: You need to learn your place in this house, you spoiled brat.
Mia: Daddy! Help me!
Eleanor: Your daddy isn't here to save you this time.
Eleanor opened her hands completely, sending the terrified child falling over the railing toward the hard marble floor below.
A piercing cry echoed through the vast entryway right as the heavy wooden front doors swung open.
David stormed into the foyer wearing his maroon velvet blazer, his briefcase slipping from his hand as he caught sight of the terrifying drop.
David: Mia! No!
He sprinted across the foyer, throwing his boots forward across the slick tile in a desperate slide.
The sickening thud of little Mia hitting the marble sent a shockwave straight through David's chest as he reached her lying on her side.
Mia: Daddy! It hurts! Daddy, hold me!
David: Shh, I've got you! You're safe now! Daddy's here!
David scooped his crying daughter into his arms, pulling her tightly against his shoulder while her tiny hands clutched his blazer collar.
His face twisted into intense, uncontrollable fury as he turned his gaze up toward the balcony landing.
David: Have you lost your mind?!
Eleanor: David... I can explain! She was playing too close to the rail!
David stood up, holding Mia firmly against his chest with one arm as his heavy footsteps boomed across the floor toward the staircase.
David: Don't you ever dare lay a finger on her again!
He stepped in close and delivered a sharp, cracking slap directly across Eleanor's cheek, sending her stumbling backward onto the marble stairs.
Eleanor clutched her burning face, staring up at him in sheer terror, but the nightmare for her was only just beginning.