The morning wind whipped across the limestone patio of the Dallas mansion, snapping the large American flag pinned to the terrace pillars.
Daniel Sterling slammed the door of his town car, clutching a stack of probate files as he rushed up the front stone steps.
A piercing wail cut through the warm Texas air, freezing him right in the middle of the courtyard.
Thirty feet above him on the second-story balcony, Victoria leaned over the wrought-iron railing in a beige silk blouse.
In her outstretched hands dangled six-month-old Maya, her tiny white lace dress fluttering violently in the breeze.
Victoria: You were never meant to be part of this family, you little mistake!
Daniel: Victoria! Do not let go! Pull her back inside right now!
Victoria: It's too late, Daniel! Some accidents just happen in big houses!
Victoria opened both hands wide, letting the baby plummet straight into empty air.
The infant screamed in pure terror as she fell toward the hard stone pavers below.
Daniel dropped his leather briefcase, threw his head back, and sprinted with every ounce of strength left in his body.
He dove across the slick stone patio, his knees slamming into the paving stones as he stretched his arms toward the green awning.
The child grazed the canvas edge, slowing her fall just enough before hitting Daniel's chest with a muffled thud.
He folded his body over her, skidding across the stones on his side as his tailored suit jacket shredded against the rock.
Maya shrieked against his collar, her face flushed red with tears and cold terror.
Daniel: I have you, baby! Daddy has you! Don't cry, please don't cry!
Victoria walked down the curved patio stairs with a slow, bored smile, adjusting the gold chain around her neck.
Victoria: Daniel, you're overreacting! She's fine.
Daniel: You threw my daughter off a balcony!
Victoria: I lost my grip while checking the wind, Daniel! Don't make a scene in front of the neighbors!
Daniel stared at the antique gold locket dangling against her beige blouse, recognizing the carved initials instantly.
He lunged forward, ripped the chain from her neck, and popped open the latch with his thumb.
Inside was a picture of Victoria holding this exact same baby in a hospital nursery five months ago.
Daniel: What is this?!
Victoria: That was years ago!
Daniel's right hand snapped across the air, slapping Victoria so hard across the face that she fell against the stone stairs, totally unaware that the envelope in Daniel's pocket held the secret that would tear her life apart.