The wind rushed past Elena's ears as she tumbled helplessly into the open air above.
She let out a piercing scream that echoed through the vast white marble foyer below.
Elena: No! Help me!
The high marble floor rushed upward toward her with terrifying speed in those frozen seconds.
At that exact moment, the double front doors swung open with a violent metallic bang.
Marcus sprinted into the foyer, his sharp eyes instantly spotting the falling body above him.
He did not hesitate for even a second as he dropped his leather briefcase to the floor.
His heavy shoes pounded hard against the tile as he sprinted under the high balcony structure.
He threw his body forward in a desperate dive across the polished marble floor tiles.
Elena braced for a brutal impact, closing her eyes tightly in sheer terror and panic.
Instead of hard tile, strong muscular arms caught her firmly right before she hit the ground.
Marcus slid across the smooth floor with Elena held securely against his firm chest wall.
The momentum carried them several feet until they finally came to a complete stop near the stairs.
Marcus: I've got you! You're safe now!
Elena opened her eyes slowly, her entire body shaking uncontrollable from the terrible shock.
She wrapped her arms tightly around Marcus's neck and buried her face into his black jacket.
Elena: You saved my life!
Marcus: Take a deep breath. Just stay down until you catch your breath.
High above them on the second floor, Victoria stood frozen against the carved balcony railing.
Her face was completely drained of color as she stared down at the living survivors.
She had never expected the security guard to burst through the front entrance so quickly.
Marcus carefully helped Elena sit upright against the bottom step of the grand staircase.
He checked her hands and arms quickly to ensure she had no serious physical injuries.
Marcus: Are you hurt anywhere, Elena?
Elena: I think my ankle is sore, but I am okay.
Marcus stood up tall and looked up toward the second floor with intense fury in his eyes.
Victoria backed away from the railing slowly, trying to slip away into the upper hallway shadows.
Marcus: Do not move a single step, Victoria!
Victoria: It was an absolute accident! She slipped on her robe!
Marcus: I saw exactly what you did with my own eyes from the doorway!
Marcus pulled his personal smartphone from his suit pocket with quick, decisive fingers.
He tapped the screen rapidly, dialing his direct line to the local emergency dispatcher.