The expensive white marble floor of the Sterling estate in Dallas, Texas, glistened under the massive crystal chandeliers.
Clara adjusted her blue dress over her heavy eight-month pregnant belly, trying to catch her breath.
Victoria: Watch where you're going!
The crystal glass slipped from Victoria's fingers, shattering into dozens of sharp pieces against the tile.
Red wine splashed across the pristine white floor, soaking the hem of Victoria's expensive designer gown.
Clara: I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!
Clara stepped back in sheer panic, her hands trembling over her stomach as tears welled up in her eyes.
Victoria: You pathetic little worm! You did that on purpose!
Clara: I didn't mean to, Victoria! It was an accident!
Victoria: I told you that you don't belong in this family!
Victoria's face twisted with pure hatred as she stepped forward and raised her heavy leather heel.
She kicked Clara hard right in the ribs, driving her violently backward toward the second-floor balcony railing.
Clara's foot caught the edge of the marble ledge, and her center of gravity gave way completely.
Clara: Ahhh! Help me!
She tumbled backward over the white railing, plunging through the open air of the grand foyer toward the stone floor below.
Julian: Hold on! I've got you!
Julian sprinted across the hall with frantic speed, his white dress shirt billowing as his shoes skidded on the floor.
He threw his body forward in a hard slide, extending his arms just as Clara plummeted down.
With a heavy, breathless thud, Julian caught her securely against his chest inches before she hit the ground.
Julian: Clara! Are you okay? Talk to me!
Clara sobbed hysterically in his arms, shaking uncontrollably as she pointed a trembling hand toward the upper balcony.
Clara: Your stepmother pushed me! She tried to kill me!
Julian looked up in total shock just in time to see Victoria panic, turn around, and flee down the grand corridor.
He held his crying wife tight, realizing the woman he trusted had just attempted the unthinkable.