Julian held Clara tightly in his arms, breathing deeply against her blonde hair.
Clara clutched his black suit jacket with shaking fingers, terrified and breathless.
Julian: I got you! I have got you, Clara, you are safe!
Her body trembled violently as she pressed her face into his firm chest.
Clara: The railing... it just gave way beneath my hands, Julian!
Julian: Breathe, just keep breathing softly, I will not let go of you.
He held her firm against his chest while looking back up high above.
His gaze swept up toward the upper balcony floor with fierce anger now.
The maid was trembling at the top, pointing toward the dark side hallway.
Sarah: I saw someone tampering with the metal hinge earlier this morning!
Julian’s jaw tightened into a rock-hard line of pure protective fury.
Julian: Who did this to her on that upper balcony floor?!
Victoria walked out slowly from the library nearby with a calm, fake expression.
She looked down at them on the floor with cold, unfeeling eyes.
Victoria: What a terrible, tragic accident that almost took place just now.
Julian: This was no accident and you know it very well, Victoria!
Julian slowly helped Clara stand up onto her feet near the grand staircase.
He kept one strong arm tightly around her waist to keep her steady.
Clara: She wanted me gone before the family lawyer arrived today!
Victoria: That is a ridiculous accusation to make without any proof at all.
Julian: The proof is right here inside Clara’s bag from the safe.
Victoria’s calm expression cracked for the first time all morning long.
She stared at the thick manila folder resting inside Clara’s open bag.
Victoria: You had no right to breach your father’s private office safe!
Julian: Clara has every right, because this estate belongs to her today.
The front doors opened wide and the family lawyer walked into the foyer.
He looked around at the broken railing and tense faces in total confusion.
Lawyer: What in the world is happening inside this house today?
Julian: Mr. Davis, you need to call the local police department right now.