Time seemed to stop completely inside the massive grand foyer as Elena plunged backward into the empty air. The gathered party guests let out a collective, horrifying gasp, many covering their mouths with both hands in pure shock. Women screamed while men froze in complete horror, watching the young maid fall quickly from the upper balcony. High above, Victoria stood near the railing with a sneer across her face, showing no regret for what she had just done. Little Leo was down on his knees, crying hysterically while reaching his small hands out through the wooden bars.
Across the main hall on the ground floor, Julian Montgomery was speaking with his senior corporate attorney about the upcoming family trust fund meeting. The moment the child screamed, Julian had turned around, his eyes locking onto the horrifying scene unfolding on the second floor. When he saw Victoria kick the defenseless maid over the edge, an electric surge of pure adrenaline shot through his entire body. He dropped his glass onto the floor, where it shattered into tiny glittering pieces across the dark marble.
Without taking a single second to think about his own safety, Julian bolted forward at full speed. His athletic frame moved with explosive power, his polished shoes sliding briefly across the floor as he pushed past shocked guests. He kept his eyes locked onto Elena's falling body, calculating the distance and speed in his mind with terrifying urgency. The heavy distance between them felt endless, but he refused to let an innocent woman die under his roof.
Elena felt the cold air rushing past her face as she plummeted toward the hard stone below. She closed her eyes tightly, preparing herself for a terrible impact that would end her young life. The wind rushed loudly in her ears, drowning out the terrified screams of the crowd around her. She thought of her younger sister who depended on her monthly paycheck, praying silently for a quick end to the falling sensation.
Just inches before Elena's head could strike the brutal stone, Julian threw his body into a desperate, flying dive across the floor. He stretched his long arms out as far as he could, launching himself entirely off his feet into the open air. His arms wrapped firmly around Elena's waist and back, scooping her up right above the hard surface. The sheer momentum of the heavy catch sent both of them sliding rapidly across the smooth floor for several feet before coming to a safe halt near the bottom step.
Julian: I'VE GOT YOU!
Julian shouted through heavy gasps, holding Elena securely against his chest as dust settled around them in the quiet hall. The crowd stood completely frozen, staring at the dramatic rescue in total disbelief and utter silence. Elena slowly opened her eyes, breathing heavily while trembling uncontrollably in the arms of her wealthy employer. She looked up into Julian's dark eyes, seeing genuine care and deep concern instead of the cold indifference she usually expected from rich men.
Elena: You... you caught me.
Julian: You are safe now, Elena. I promise nobody will ever harm you in this house again.
Julian gently helped Elena sit up, making sure she was not bleeding or suffering from broken bones after the dangerous fall. He stood up slowly, his body stiffening with a powerful, protective rage as he turned his face toward the balcony. High above, Victoria was looking down at them, her hand gripping the wooden railing while her face turned pale with deep shock. She had expected a tragic accident that would cover up her secrets, but now her terrible action was witnessed by fifty influential guests.
Julian: Stay right here with the security guard, Elena. This nightmare ends tonight.