The crystal chandelier in the foyer of the Dallas mansion threw sharp light across the polished marble floor. Clara stood near the base of the grand staircase, her hands trembling as she wiped down the mahogany railing. Above her, on the second-floor balcony, five-month-old baby Lily slept in her padded bassinet. Beside the bassinet stood Evelyn, her eyes fixed on the entrance hall with a cold, desperate glare.
Clara: Mrs. Vance, I can take Lily to the nursery if you want to get some rest.
Evelyn: Keep working, Clara. Don't tell me how to manage my daughter.
A heavy thud echoed from the top floor. Clara looked up just in time to see Evelyn shove the bassinet violently against the wooden balustrade. The wooden frame tipped over the edge, and the blanketed bundle slipped into open air.
Clara: No!
Without thinking, Clara threw her body forward, diving across the slick marble floor. She slammed onto her knees and reached out with both hands, catching the swaddled baby inches above the hard tile. The air left her lungs as she pulled the crying infant tight against her chest, shivering on the floor.
Clara: I've got you. You're safe. You're safe baby, I've got you.
The heavy front doors burst open with a loud bang. Marcus Vance stepped inside, his designer suit pristine, his eyes widening at the sight of his maid on the ground holding his daughter.
Evelyn: Marcus! Thank God you're home! She tried to kill our baby! She dropped her off the balcony!
Clara: What? No! Mr. Vance, that's not true! I caught her!
Marcus: Don't you dare lie to me! Evelyn, what happened?
Evelyn: She reached over the railing and threw her! She's crazy, Marcus!
Marcus: Get out of my house right now! I'm calling 911!
Clara: Please, Mr. Vance, check the security cameras! Look at the footage before you destroy my life!





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