Richard stepped out into the grand foyer just as a terrified cry echoed through the high space.
He looked up and saw Brenda grabbing Lily roughly near the edge of the second floor railing.
Lily: Daddy! Help me, please!
Brenda gave a sharp pull, causing the young girl to lose her balance right on the top step.
Lily slipped off the marble edge, flailing her small arms wildly in the air.
Richard did not hesitate for a single second as panic shot through his entire body.
He sprinted across the polished marble floor of the foyer with incredible speed and total focus.
As Lily slipped down the top steps, Richard lunged forward across the slick floor.
He slid on his knees with arms extended wide, reaching out right at the perfect moment.
He caught Lily securely in his heavy coat, cushioning her fall against his strong chest.
The impact knocked the breath straight out of Richard's lungs, but he held her tight.
They slid across the smooth floor together, coming to a sudden stop near the bottom bannister.
Lily sobbed uncontrollably, hiding her face deep in her father's crisp dark suit jacket.
Lily: Daddy, I was so scared! She grabbed me!
Richard held his trembling daughter close, checking her head and limbs for any serious injury.
Richard: It is okay, baby, I have got you now.
Lily: She said I do not belong in our home!
Richard: You belong here forever, sweetie, do not worry.
Richard felt a wave of unbelievable anger rise up from deep within his chest.
He looked up toward the top of the grand staircase where Brenda was standing still.
Brenda looked down at them, her eyes wide with initial shock before her face hardened into ice.
She realized instantly that Richard had seen the entire dangerous encounter happen live.
Richard stood up slowly, keeping one protective hand on Lily's shoulder as she cried softly.
His face turned red with pure fury as he locked eyes with his cruel wife.
Richard: Stay right there, Brenda! Do not move a single inch!
Brenda: Richard, wait, you did not see what really happened!
Richard: I saw every terrible second of it!
Richard carried Lily carefully over to the leather couch in the adjacent sitting area.
Richard: Stay here with Maria, honey. Daddy will handle this right now.
The housekeeper Maria ran into the room, quickly pulling Lily into a safe, warm hug.
Richard turned back toward the stairs, stepping up them two at a time with pure authority.