Arthur opened his door slightly and listened closely to the sound of footsteps.
He saw Clara chasing Lily up the wide marble staircase toward the second floor.
Lily was weeping loudly as she pulled herself up the polished steps.
Clara: Stop running away from me when I am talking to you!
Lily: I want my daddy! Where is my daddy?
Clara: Your father is busy making money to support my luxurious life!
Arthur felt a cold shock run through his entire body as he listened.
He could not believe the hateful tone coming from his new wife's voice.
He followed them up the stairs without making a single sound on the carpet.
Clara cornered the frightened child right on the high balcony overlooking the foyer.
The balcony had a shiny white railing that looked down at the hard floor below.
Clara grabbed the small silver heirloom necklace around Lily's neck with force.
Clara: This shiny necklace belongs to the estate, not a little brat like you.
Lily: No! That was my mommy's special wedding necklace!
Clara: Your mother is gone and I am the boss of this mansion now!
Clara yanked the chain away and pushed Lily backward toward the edge rail.
The little girl lost her balance on the smooth marble tiles and tripped backward.
Lily let out a sharp scream as her body slipped over the shiny edge.
She clung to the top railing with her tiny fingers while dangling in danger.
Lily: Help me! Daddy, help me! I am falling!
Clara stood over her with a ruthless look instead of reaching out to pull her.
Clara: Nobody can hear you from up here, you foolish little girl.
Arthur gasped in absolute horror as he rounded the final corner of the balcony.
He saw his sweet daughter dangling dangerously over the wide opening above the foyer.
His heart almost stopped as he saw Clara standing right beside the slipping hands.
Arthur: Hold on, Lily! Daddy is right here!
Arthur sprinted across the long balcony like a man possessed by pure adrenaline.
Clara turned around instantly with a look of extreme terror on her face.
She had no idea that her wealthy husband was home at that exact moment.
Lily's small hands lost their slippery grip on the cold top rail completely.
She tumbled backward off the balcony into the open air above the foyer.
Arthur did not hesitate for even a fraction of a single second.