The harsh wind howled around the upper glass panels as Elena strained every fiber of her being to keep the heavy rope from slipping through her bleeding palms. Sweat poured down her forehead, stinging her eyes as she stared at Daniel in absolute disbelief, wondering how any human being could look at a drowning or falling spouse with such total apathy. Chloe let out a choked sob from below, her strength rapidly fading as the rough fibers cut deeper into her skin.
Chloe: Daniel... please... save our baby...
Daniel: You should have thought about the prenuptial agreement before you tried to lock down my corporate shares, Chloe.
Elena: Mr. Vance, are you insane?! Your own flesh and blood is hanging over a death drop!
Daniel: Mind your place, maid. You're paid to clean the estate, not dictate family law.
Martha: Let her drop, Daniel. The life insurance payout alone covers our quarterly board deficit.
Elena: You two are absolute monsters! I won't let her go even if it kills me!
Martha took a sharp step forward, her manicured fingers curling into claws as she reached toward Elena's shoulders to violently rip her away from the railing.
Martha: Get your filthy hands off that rope, you insolent pest!
Elena: Get back! Don't you dare touch me!
Chloe screamed as the sudden shift in tension caused the rope to slip an entire foot, leaving her suspended by only one hand over the glittering blue water far below.
Chloe: Elena! I'm slipping! I can't grip it anymore!
Elena: I've got you, Chloe! Look at my eyes, do not look down!
Daniel crossed his arms over his tan polo shirt, watching the life-and-death struggle unfold as if it were a minor business negotiation.
Daniel: Wrap it up, Mother. The municipal investors will be arriving for the board meeting in ten minutes.