Clara stepped backward until her back hit the hard wooden trim of the grand foyer staircase.
Clara: I am your wife! You cannot speak to me like this in front of the domestic staff!
Richard: You are nothing to me anymore! Your fake marriage act ends right here and now!
Sarah the nanny came running out of the side kitchen hallway with wide, frightened eyes.
Sarah: Mr. Richard! Is little Maya okay?
Richard: Take Maya upstairs into my locked office right now, Sarah, and lock the door firmly!
Sarah took the weeping toddler into her arms and hurried quickly up the white stairs.
Once Maya was safely away from the scene, Richard turned his full attention back to Clara.
The foyer was dead quiet except for the sound of Richard's heavy, furious breathing.
Clara: You have no proof that I dropped her on purpose, Richard!
Richard: Look up at the ceiling, you foolish woman!
Clara looked up toward the high foyer light fixture and saw three hidden security cameras pointing down.
Her face drained of all color as she remembered the modern surveillance system installed last month.
Clara: Richard, please... let us sit down in the living room and talk about this like adults!
Richard: There is nothing left to talk about between us!
Clara: If you file for divorce, I will demand half of this house and a monthly spousal settlement!
Richard let out a cold, sharp laugh that echoed off the high white walls of the foyer.
Richard: You signed a comprehensive prenuptial agreement before our wedding day, Clara.
Clara: That contract is not valid if you kick me out without money!
Richard: It is fully valid, especially when child endangerment criminal charges are filed against you!
Clara lunged forward, her long nails reaching out toward Richard's face in a desperate rage.
Clara: You ruined my life! I hate you and your miserable little baby!
Richard grabbed both of her wrists firmly in mid-air and held them away from his face.
Richard: Never touch me again, and never step near my child again!
He pushed her back firmly, causing her to stumble back against the high white balcony wall.
Clara clutched her arms, sobbing in utter shock and bitter defeat as her scheme fell apart.