Cold water instantly rushed into Julian's nose and open mouth.
He sank like a heavy stone toward the white tiled bottom of the pool.
His heavy black tuxedo jacket weighed him down like anchor chain links.
He tried desperately to kick his legs, but they refused to respond to his brain.
Thick bubbles rose rapidly all around his face as he panicked underwater.
Above him, the sunlight looked blurred and distorted through the splashing waves.
He could see the empty black wheelchair floating sideways near the top.
His lungs burned intensely as he held his remaining breath with all his strength.
He waved his arms in wild circles, trying to pull himself toward the light.
Every stroke felt weaker as the dark pressure closed in around his chest.
He thought about his father's sudden heart attack six months ago in this house.
He wondered if his father had experienced this exact same feeling of total helplessness.
Through the wavering water, he saw two fast shadows jump into the pool.
Two young men who were hired for the party swam quickly toward him.
Swimmer: Help me get him out!
One swimmer reached down and grabbed Julian under his arms tightly.
The second swimmer kicked hard to push them both toward the surface air.
Julian felt his head break through the water for a split second.
He gasped frantically before sinking back under the heavy splashing waves.
Swimmer: I have his torso, pull his legs up now!
They fought against the weight of his soaked clothes and helpless lower body.
Victoria stood on the concrete edge, dabbing her dry eyes with a tissue.
Victoria: Please hurry! He's right there!
Her voice sounded panicked, but her eyes remained cold and completely calm.
A estate groundskeeper named Marcus ran fast across the green grass.
He wore a simple white shirt and blue jeans, covered in fresh dirt.
Marcus dropped his tools and dropped to his knees at the pool edge.
Marcus: Reach up to me, grab my hands right now!
The two swimmers pushed Julian's body upward with all their remaining strength.
Marcus wrapped his strong arms around Julian's soaked tuxedo chest.
He pulled the helpless heir out of the water onto the hard deck.