Mark adjusted his dark green suit jacket as the car pulled up.
He had spent two full weeks away on urgent business matters.
His heart ached to see his young seven-year-old daughter Lily.
Since his beloved wife passed away, Lily was his whole world.
He stepped out of the luxury vehicle into the bright morning sun.
The family estate stood quiet against the clear blue Carolina sky.
Mark carried a small wrapped present in his right hand.
He had bought a classic dollhouse for Lily during his trip.
His stepmother Evelyn was supposed to be watching the child carefully.
Evelyn had moved into the guest house six months ago.
She promised to provide warmth and stability while Mark traveled.
Yet something felt strangely off as Mark opened the front door.
The main hallway was empty and quiet.
Usually Lily would run down the hall to greet him.
He heard distant voices coming from the formal dining room.
It sounded like a large gathering of wealthy investors and friends.
Mark walked quietly down the polished marble hallway toward the sound.
He noticed several unfamiliar luxury coats hanging near the entrance.
Evelyn was hosting a formal party without telling him about it.
He stopped right near the heavy oak doors of the dining room.
A high pitched child's voice echoed through the crack in the door.
The words made Mark freeze instantly in his tracks.
Lily: Daddy, help me!
Mark pushed the heavy oak door open just a small inch.