Lily raised her head from Mark's shoulder, her big brown eyes swimming with hot, continuous tears. She raised her small, trembling hand and pointed her finger straight at Victoria standing above them on the grand curved staircase.
Little Girl: She's not happening every single time!
Mark held his daughter tightly, his heart pounding hard against his ribs. He adjusted his grip on her, trying to calm her heavy, ragged breathing while keeping his cold eyes fixed on his new wife.
Father: Lily, baby, look at daddy. What do you mean every single time?
Little Girl: Every time you leave for work, she locks me in the small back room! She tells me I am not allowed in the house!
Father: Is this true, Victoria?
Victoria took a slow, delicate step down the stairs, sweeping her white gown gracefully behind her. She forced a sad, patronizing smile onto her lips, extending one manicured hand toward Mark as if reaching for an unruly child.
Victoria: Mark, darling, don't listen to that spoiled brat. She is lying because she didn't want to finish her afternoon homework.
Little Girl: I'm not lying, Daddy! Ask Martha! She makes Martha guard the door so I can't come out until your car pulls up!
Mark felt a heavy, sickening feeling sink straight into his stomach. He looked back down at Martha, whose mouth was trembling in absolute terror. The older housekeeper could not hold Mark's intense gaze and lowered her head down toward the marble steps.
Father: Martha, look at me right now. Is my daughter telling me the truth?
Housekeeper: Sir, I... I need this job to pay my husband's medical bills. Please don't fire me!
Father: Answer my question! Was my child locked away while I was at work?!
Housekeeper: Yes, sir... Mrs. Victoria threatened to fire me and ruin my employment references if I didn't lock Miss Lily away whenever you left town.
The silence that followed inside the grand hallway was heavy and dangerous. Victoria's sweet expression instantly vanished, replaced by an ugly, furious sneer as she realized her elaborate cover was completely blown in front of her rich husband.
Victoria: You foolish, useless old woman! How dare you speak to my husband like that after everything I paid you!
Father: That is enough, Victoria!
Mark's powerful voice shouted through the entire estate, startling both women completely. He carried Lily down the remaining steps, setting her gently behind his back near the entry table, making sure he stood directly between his innocent child and the cruel woman he had foolishly brought into their home.