Evelyn stepped back slightly, surprised by the sheer intensity of her son's angry outburst.
She had spent years controlling the family trust fund and pushing people around without any consequences.
She never expected Mark to stand up to her so fiercely over his young daughter.
Mark turned his back on them and quickly returned to kneeling beside the vintage chair.
His fingers worked fast to loosen the knots holding Lily's wrists against the wooden arms.
The thick rope fell away to the floor, leaving light red marks on the child's skin.
Mark lifted Lily gently into his arms and held her tightly against his chest.
The little girl wrapped her arms around his neck, refusing to let go for even a second.
Mark pulled his cell phone from his inner suit pocket with his free hand immediately.
He dialed three numbers with swift precision while glaring at his mother and sister.
Mark: They mistreat my daughter, please send help immediately!
The emergency operator answered quickly, taking down his address and details about the situation.
Evelyn's face turned pale as she realized Mark was actually reporting them to local authorities.
Evelyn: Are you out of your mind, calling the police on your own mother?
Mark: You crossed a line that can never be fixed today, Evelyn.
Sarah: Think about our family reputation and the inheritance money, Mark!
Mark: I do not care about your money or your corporate reputation anymore!
Lily rested her head on Mark's shoulder, her breathing starting to slow down very slightly.
Mark walked toward the front hallway, keeping his distance from the two hostile women.
He sat down on the soft leather couch near the entrance, cradling his precious child.
Evelyn followed him into the foyer, her tone shifting from angry to fake concern.
Evelyn: We gave you this mansion and paid for your executive career investments!
Mark: You used that wealth to control me, but it ends right now.
Sarah: Mom was only trying to make Lily tough for the real world!
Mark: You mistreated a defenseless child for your own sick entertainment!
The heavy tension in the home grew thick as everyone waited for help to arrive.