Richard turned around quickly when he heard Maya let out a high-pitched cry of pure distress.
Clara was holding the tiny toddler over the high white wooden balcony railing above the foyer.
The drop to the hard polished marble floor downstairs was steep and extremely dangerous.
Richard: Clara! Get away from that railing right now!
Clara: Look at how fragile your precious little world really is, Richard!
Maya: Daddy! Help me, Daddy!
Richard felt his heart stop completely as terror flooded through his entire body in an instant.
He did not hesitate for a single second as he charged across the shiny marble floor.
Clara lost her balance slightly near the top edge of the high white railing balcony.
The small child slipped out of her arms and fell toward the open space below.
Richard threw his body forward in a desperate slide across the smooth white tile floor.
He reached out both arms with total strength and caught Maya right before she hit the ground.
The impact knocked the wind out of his chest, but he wrapped his arms around her tightly.
Richard: Maya! I've got you! You are completely safe with Daddy!
Maya cried hysterically against his shoulder, her tiny body shaking from the terrifying shock.
Richard held her close, feeling her warm breathing against his neck as tears filled his eyes.
Upstairs, Clara stood stunned at the top of the white marble staircase for a brief moment.
She realized what had just happened and quickly rushed down the steps with raised hands.
Clara: She slipped, Richard! It was a complete accident, I swear to you!
Richard: Do not take another single step toward us!
Clara stopped on the bottom step, her eyes wide with frantic fake panic and sudden terror.
Clara: I tried to grab her dress! You have to believe me, Richard!
Richard stood up slowly while holding Maya pressed securely against his left chest with firm strength.
His face twisted into an expression of intense rage that Clara had never seen before in him.
Richard: You did that on purpose because you are a sick monster!
He took three long steps forward, pointing his trembling right finger directly into her face.
Richard: You tried to hurt an innocent child inside my own home!