Richard finished his quick phone call and opened his office door into the hall.
He heard a faint scream echoing through the grand foyer from above.
His heart dropped instantly as he looked up toward the wide balcony area.
He saw Victoria holding Maya dangerously close to the high balcony edge.
Maya was slipping toward the open gap between the polished wooden railings.
Richard: Victoria, stop right there!
Richard sprinted across the polished floor with everything he had in him.
His grey suit jacket flapped in the wind as he moved like lightning.
Victoria suddenly let go of Maya's arm as if she were surprised.
Maya fell forward off the edge toward the slick marble floor below.
Richard leaped through the air with his arms stretched out as wide as possible.
He slid across the slick white marble floor right beneath the balcony drop.
He caught little Maya in his arms just inches before she hit the ground.
The loud thud of his body sliding echoed across the tall empty room.
Richard: I have got you, Maya! You are safe!
Maya: Daddy!
Maya wrapped her small arms tightly around her father's neck while crying loudly.
Richard held her close to his chest while his whole body trembled violently.
He kissed the top of her head repeatedly to comfort her terror.
Richard: Shh, it is over now, baby girl. Daddy is right here.
Victoria ran down the wide marble staircase while clicking her high heels fast.
Her face was pale, and her light lavender dress fluttered behind her.
Victoria: Richard, it was an total accident! She slipped on her dress!
Richard: Do not lie to me after what I just saw!
Victoria: I was trying to pull her back away from the edge!
Richard: You were holding her arm right over the open railing!
Victoria: You are confused because you were running so fast from your office!
Richard stood up slowly while holding Maya wrapped tightly in his arms.
His face transformed into intense rage as he looked at his new wife.
Richard: You did this on purpose because of your petty jealousy!
Victoria: How can you accuse your own wife of such a terrible thing?
Maya: She told me I did not belong here, Daddy!
Richard: Did she really say those exact words to you, sweetheart?
Maya: Yes, and she grabbed my arm very hard!
Richard pointed his hand firmly toward the front door of the mansion.
Richard: Get out of my house right now before I call the police!
Victoria: Richard, please listen to me for just one second!
Richard: Never touch my daughter again, or you will regret it!