The grandfather clock in the foyer chimes five times, its deep gong echoing off the cold marble walls[span_0](start_span)[span_0](end_span). High above the grand staircase, Evelyn stands at the polished mahogany balcony, holding six-month-old Clara out over the edge[span_1](start_span)[span_1](end_span). Below, Maria drops her dusting rag, her heart slamming against her ribs[span_2](start_span)[span_2](end_span).

Evelyn: LOOK WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DISOBEY ME[span_3](start_span)[span_3](end_span)!

Maria: Please, Mrs. Vance! Put her down! She’s just a baby[span_4](start_span)[span_4](end_span)!

Evelyn: You thought you could tell Richard about the offshore accounts? You thought anyone in this house answers to you?[span_5](start_span)[span_5](end_span)

Maria: I didn't say anything! I swear on my life! Please bring her back over the rail[span_6](start_span)[span_6](end_span)!

Evelyn smiles, a cold, empty twist of her lips, and relaxes her fingers[span_7](start_span)[span_7](end_span). The infant drops into open air[span_8](start_span)[span_8](end_span). Maria doesn't think—she dives across the slick floor, reaching out with everything she has[span_9](start_span)[span_9](end_span). Her knees slam into the hard marble as she catches the swaddled baby inches from the floor[span_10](start_span)[span_10](end_span). Clara screams violently, her tiny chest heaving against Maria’s chest[span_11](start_span)[span_11](end_span).

The massive double front doors burst open[span_12](start_span)[span_12](end_span). Richard steps into the entryway, carrying his briefcase, and stops dead[span_13](start_span)[span_13](end_span). He looks at Maria on her knees, crying and cradling his daughter, then looks up at Evelyn watching from the high balcony[span_14](start_span)[span_14](end_span).

Richard: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! CALL 911 NOW! 🇺🇸[span_15](start_span)[span_15](end_span)

Evelyn: Richard, darling, listen to me—it was an accident! The maid tripped and dropped her[span_16](start_span)[span_16](end_span)!

Richard: I saw your hands, Evelyn! I saw you drop my daughter[span_17](start_span)[span_17](end_span)!

Maria: Sir, she threatened to throw her if I didn't hide the bank papers[span_18](start_span)[span_18](end_span)!

Evelyn: Shut your mouth, you lying peasant[span_19](start_span)[span_19](end_span)!

Richard: Touch her again and you'll spend the rest of your life in a federal prison[span_20](start_span)[span_20](end_span)!

Richard marches across the hall, taking Clara into his trembling arms while pointing a finger up at the staircase[span_21](start_span)[span_21](end_span). Evelyn’s face turns pale, but her eyes narrow into slits as she grips the mahogany railing[span_22](start_span)[span_22](end_span). This was only the beginning of the nightmare that had been growing behind the mansion's locked doors[span_23](start_span)[span_23](end_span).