The crystal chandelier in the grand foyer of the Sterling mansion rattled as a child's piercing scream echoed across the polished white marble floor.
Victoria: Look at her, Julian! Look at this miserable little creature crying in my hands!
Julian: Victoria! Put her down! What the hell are you doing up there?!
High above the ground floor, standing near the balcony railing under the massive American flag, Victoria held the six-month-old baby girl over the edge with a cold, unhinged smile.
Victoria: She doesn't belong in this family, Julian! She's taking away everything that should be mine!
Julian: Don't move! Just hold her still!
Julian sprinted across the main hall in his grey suit, his polished leather shoes skidding against the slick marble tiles as his heart hammered wildly against his ribs.
Victoria: Oops! My hands are slipping!
Julian: NO!
The baby slipped from Victoria's fingers, plunging toward the hard floor below. Julian dove forward with everything he had, sliding across the white stone with his arms outstretched, catching the infant just inches above the marble floor.
Julian: I've got you! I've got you, baby! You're safe now!
Julian: It's okay sweetheart, I'm here... Daddy's here.
Tears poured down Julian's face as he pulled his infant daughter tightly against his chest, clutching her tiny, trembling body while his own legs shook violently from the sheer horror of what had almost happened.
Victoria: You... you actually caught her...?
Julian slowly lifted his head, his tear-streaked face twisting into an expression of pure, unadulterated rage as he stared up at the woman in the green velvet dress standing on the upper floor.
Julian: You monster... You absolute monster!
Victoria: Julian, wait! It was an accident! I lost my grip!
Julian: You dropped my daughter from a second-story balcony!
Victoria: She was squirming! I didn't mean to let go!
Julian: Stay right where you are!
Julian stood up from the marble floor, wrapping his arms protectively around his crying baby as he turned toward the grand staircase, stepping onto the white marble steps with a deadly focus that chilled the entire room.