The dining room became dead silent as the last guest left.
Mark stepped around the messy table toward his stepmother.
His profile was tense and sharp with overwhelming emotional power.
He stood inches away from Evelyn's frightened face.
Mark: Don't ever touch my daughter again!
Evelyn: She is spoiled and needs to learn hard work!
Mark: She is seven years old, Evelyn!
Evelyn: Your late wife raised her to be weak and lazy!
Hearing his late wife's memory insulted broke Mark's last calm nerve.
He stepped forward firmly and pushed Evelyn back toward the exit.
Evelyn stumbled back against the wooden wall with a loud thud.
Evelyn: You cannot treat me like this in this house!
Mark: This is my house, bought with my hard work!
Evelyn: Your father left me a share of this estate!
Mark: My legal team will fix that mistake before nightfall!
Mark pointed his arm directly toward the open front entrance.
Evelyn clutched her silver dress and backed away in fear.
She realized Mark was no longer the quiet man she controlled.
She turned and walked quickly out into the bright driveway.
Mark locked the large front doors behind her with a click.
He immediately sank down to his knees beside small Lily.
He took her tiny injured hands gently into his own palms.
Mark: I am so sorry I left you alone with her.
Lily: She said I was not allowed to call you.
Mark: Nobody will ever hurt you again in this life.