Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the hard floor the moment he heard his wife's terrified scream.
He looked up instantly toward the upper balcony level in complete panic.
He saw Sarah losing her footing along the edge of the low railing.
His heart plummeted as instinct took over every muscle in his body.
Mark sprinted across the polished floor with incredible speed.
He threw his body forward across the smooth marble surface without hesitating for even a second.
He reached out his strong arms just as Sarah slipped past the edge.
The impact knocked the breath straight out of his lungs as he caught her tightly.
He landed heavily on one knee, holding her close against his chest.
The living room was suddenly dead silent except for their heavy, ragged breathing.
Mark: I'VE GOT YOU! ARE YOU OKAY?
Sarah clutched his dark suit jacket with trembling, white-knuckled fingers.
She buried her face in his neck, sobbing uncontrollably from the sheer terror of the moment.
Sarah: I was so scared, Mark... she pushed me!
Mark cradled her head gently, checking her carefully for any signs of pain or injury.
His hands shook as he pushed her soft hair away from her face.
Mark: Take a deep breath, honey... you are safe in my arms now.
Sarah: The baby... is the baby going to be okay?
Mark: You are both safe... I caught you... I have you right here.
He held her securely against his chest for a quiet moment until her shaking stopped.
Then, a deep wave of dark anger washed over his face.
He glanced up toward the top of the grand staircase.
Eleanor was standing by the railing, staring down with a pale, guilty expression.
She was clutching her pearl necklace with her right hand.
Eleanor: Mark, it... it was an awful accident!
Mark carefully helped Sarah sit down on the plush leather sofa nearby.
Mark: Stay right here, Sarah... do not move an inch.
He stood up rapidly with his chest heaving in absolute fury.
His eyes locked onto his stepmother with fierce intensity.
He marched up the carpeted stairs, taking two steps at a single time.
Eleanor took a hurried step back toward the hallway wall.
Eleanor: Mark, please listen to me before you do something stupid!
Mark reached the top landing and confronted her immediately.
Mark: HOW DARE YOU!
His loud voice echoed like thunder through the massive house.
Mark: YOU TRIED TO HURT MY FAMILY!
Eleanor: She tripped over her own feet... I reached out to grab her!
Mark: DO NOT LIE TO ME! I SAW YOUR HANDS PUSH HER!
Eleanor backed up until her shoulders hit the framed paintings on the wall.
She had never seen her stepson look so terrifyingly angry before.
Eleanor: I am your mother... you cannot talk to me like this!
Mark: You are not my mother... and you never will be!
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