Elena dove across the hard marble floor with both arms stretched completely out.
She slid hard onto her knees just inches above the smooth polished stone surface.
The heavy weight of baby Maya slammed safely right into Elena's soft arms.
Elena wrapped her body around the infant, absorbing the entire heavy impact herself.
The baby let out a terrified cry that echoed loudly through the high ceiling.
Elena pulled Maya tightly against her neck, weeping with total emotional relief.
Elena: I got you, you're safe, I've got you sweet girl!
Tears poured down Elena's pale cheeks as she checked the baby's tiny arms.
Maya was unhurt, shivering with fear but completely protected from the hard fall.
Elena rocked the child back and forth, holding her like her own child.
Heavy footsteps rushed rapidly down the grand staircase from the upper floor.
Serena hurried down the steps, her high heels clicking loudly against the wood.
An American flag hung on the wall behind her as she approached the bottom.
Serena held her hands up defensively, her face pale with sudden fake panic.
Serena: It was an accident, she slipped right out of my wet hands!
Elena stared up at the wealthy woman with fierce anger in her eyes.
She held the crying infant even tighter against her pounding chest.
Elena: Don't you touch her, stay away from this baby!
Serena: You are just a house maid, do not talk to me like that!
The heavy oak front doors flew open with a sudden violent crash.
Julian Sterling rushed through the open doorway into the sunlit foyer.
His dark grey suit jacket was unbuttoned, and his expression was full of fear.
He dropped to his knees right beside Elena and reached for his daughter.
Julian: Maya, oh God, I got you baby girl!
Julian lifted the child into his strong arms, checking her small head gently.
He stood up abruptly and turned his gaze directly toward his new wife.