Rapid running footsteps thundered across the high-key white foyer as Richard closed the distance between the front doors and the center of the room[cite: 1]. His chest heaved as he scanned the scene, taking in Clara kneeling on the marble floor with the trembling toddler in her arms, and Victoria standing nearby trying to smooth down her royal blue dress[cite: 1].
Richard: What in God's name happened here? Why is Maya crying[cite: 1]?
Victoria: Oh, Richard, darling, thank goodness you're back from the boardroom early! This careless maid left the balcony door wide open, and the poor baby tripped right over the edge[cite: 1, 4]!
Clara: He is lying, Mr. Vance! She pushed her! I was standing right here and I saw her shove your daughter over the railing on purpose[cite: 1]!
Victoria: You insolent little liar! You are just trying to cover up your own negligence because you want to keep your job[cite: 1]!
Richard ignored Victoria's shrill protests for a moment, dropping quickly to his knees beside the maid and taking his baby safely into his arms[cite: 1]. He pulled Maya close to his heart, his hands trembling as he checked her tiny limbs for any sign of injury[cite: 1].
Richard: Maya! I got you, daddy's right here[cite: 1]. You're okay, my sweet girl[cite: 1].
Maya: *Sniffling and wrapping her tiny arms around Richard's neck tightly*[cite: 1]
Richard looked up at Clara, his expression softening with deep gratitude before hardening into cold steel as he turned his gaze back toward Victoria[cite: 1].
Richard: Thank you for catching her, Clara. You saved her life[cite: 1].
Victoria: You actually believe the maid over your own fiancée? We are getting married next month, Richard! She is just trying to sabotage our engagement and ruin our estate trust[cite: 1, 4]!
Richard: Engagement? That wedding was canceled the second I saw the security footage on my phone[cite: 1, 4]!
Victoria's confident facade cracked for a split second, her eyes darting toward the security cameras mounted near the vaulted ceiling[cite: 1].