Marcus knelt on the hard marble floor while holding his trembling child close.
Maya sobbed loudly against his shoulder, clutching his dark suit jacket with tiny hands.
Marcus: Shh, you are completely safe now! Daddy has got you forever!
Maya: She pushed me, Daddy! She let go of my clothes!
Marcus: I saw everything, my sweet girl. You are safe now.
Marcus signaled quickly to his trusted family house butler standing near the dining area.
Marcus: Take Maya into the secure back garden immediately and guard her closely.
Butler: Right away, sir. Come along safely with me, little Miss Maya.
The butler gently carried the crying child away into the safe rear quarters area.
Marcus stood up slowly off the floor with intense dark rage filling his eyes.
His knuckles turned completely white as he clenched his fists tightly at his sides.
Victoria stood frozen on the upper balcony landing with her mouth open in shock.
She had not expected Marcus to reach the falling child in time at all.
Marcus stormed up the grand marble staircase with rapid heavy intimidating strides of absolute fury.
Victoria backed away slowly until her back pressed against the high white hallway wall.
Victoria: Marcus, please listen to me! It was a terrible tragic accident!
Marcus: Do not dare call that an accident, you absolute monster!
Victoria: She tripped on her own shoelaces and fell toward the railing!
Marcus: I watched your fingers release her sweater with my own two eyes!
Marcus pointed a shaking finger directly at Victoria's terrified pale face with absolute authority.
Marcus: You targeted my innocent daughter because of my late wife's legal estate!
Victoria: That is completely untrue! I love this family with all my heart!
Marcus: You only love money, status, and control over my family wealth!
Victoria: You cannot speak to me like this in our own home!
Marcus: This is no longer your home, and you are no longer my wife!