Eleanor stood frozen at the middle of the staircase.
Her hands trembled as she looked down at the floor.
The white dress lay crumpled on the cold marble surface.
Silence filled the bright hallway like a heavy dark cloud.
Eleanor: Clara, get up off the floor right now!
There was no answer from the unconscious young woman.
Eleanor took one slow step down toward the bottom step.
Her face turned pale as she saw the dark spot.
Eleanor: Stop pretending to be hurt, Clara!
She looked around the room to see if anyone watched.
The large American flag hung quietly near the glass door.
No servants were present in the immediate hallway.
Eleanor: You did this to yourself on purpose!
She dropped the white envelope onto the third stair step.
Her heart hammered hard against her silk green bodice.
She knew the consequences would ruin her public status.
Suddenly the heavy front doors burst open wide.
The sharp sound rattled the high glass windows loudly.
An older man in a charcoal suit stepped inside fast.
It was Arthur, the head of the wealthy family.
He stopped dead in his tracks near the entrance threshold.
Arthur: What on earth just happened in here?!
His eyes landed on Clara lying still on the floor.
He dropped his dark leather briefcase onto the ground immediately.
Arthur: Clara! Can you hear my voice right now?!
He sprinted across the polished marble floor toward her.
He dropped down to his knees right beside her body.
Arthur: Someone call an ambulance right this second!
He checked her wrist for a soft rising pulse.
His hands shook as he looked up at the stairs.
Arthur: What have you done, Eleanor?!
Eleanor: Arthur, it was a complete and terrible accident!
Arthur: You pushed a pregnant woman down the steps!
Eleanor: I did not push her, she tripped on her shoes!
Arthur: I stood at the window and saw your hands!
Eleanor gasped and took two steps backward up the stairs.
Her eyes went wide with pure horror and deep regret.
Eleanor: You were standing outside at the front window?
Arthur: I saw you grab her arm and shove her!
Eleanor: I was only trying to protect our family inheritance!
Arthur: You are a dangerous criminal, Eleanor!
Arthur pulled his mobile phone from his coat pocket quickly.
He dialed three numbers with swift and steady fingers.
Arthur: Send an emergency crew to the estate right now!
Eleanor clutched her silk green gown in complete panic.
She knew her perfect life was crumbling away fast.