Richard stopped in his tracks near the entrance, looking at the scene before him.
Nurse Clara was kneeling on the cold marble floor, holding crying baby Lily closely.
Victoria was descending the upper staircase with a calm and calculated expression on her face.
Nurse Clara: Sir! She tried to harm your baby on the balcony!
Victoria: Don't listen to that lying trash, Richard, she dropped the baby herself!
Clara gasped in disbelief at the smooth lie coming from Victoria's red lips.
Nurse Clara: That is completely false! She grabbed me near the balcony railing!
Richard stepped forward, his sharp brown eyes darting between the two frantic women.
He looked down at his crying daughter, his expression turning into absolute fury.
Richard: Victoria, step away from the stairs immediately and explain this!
Victoria: Darling, the nurse was careless while carrying Lily near the landing!
Victoria put a trembling hand over her heart, faking tearful distress for her husband.
Victoria: I tried to catch her, but she tripped and fell down the steps!
Clara stood up slowly, keeping a firm grip on the precious baby in her arms.
She looked directly into Richard's eyes with unwavering truth and absolute conviction.
Nurse Clara: Check the security cameras above the balcony floor right now, sir!
Victoria's face turned instantly pale at the mention of the hallway security system.
She had forgotten that Richard had installed hidden cameras after his first wife died.
Richard noticed the sudden shift in Victoria's posture and grew deeply suspicious.
Richard: The security feed connects directly to my mobile phone application.
He pulled his smartphone from his dark suit pocket with quick, steady fingers.
Victoria took two fast steps toward him, reaching out her hand to stop him.
Victoria: Richard, please, there is no need to look at silly recordings!
Richard: Stand back, Victoria! Do not come any closer to me right now!
His voice cut through the foyer like a sharp blade, freezing Victoria in place.
Richard tapped his phone screen and waited as the video footage loaded up.
The short clip clearly showed Victoria grabbing Clara near the high balcony edge.
It showed Victoria attempting to snatch the child and pushing Clara backward dangerously.
Richard's jaw clenched tightly as his face flushed red with pure outrage and disgust.
He raised his gaze from the screen and locked eyes with his wicked wife.
Richard: You tried to destroy my daughter for your own selfish greed!
Victoria: Richard, listen to me, it was a terrible mistake, I swear!