Mark held Lily securely against his chest, feeling her little body tremble with fear.
He gently patted her back as he looked up at Victoria with burning eyes.
The polished concrete floor remained littered with scattered food and broken dish pieces.
The USA flag fluttered slightly in the soft breeze coming through the side door.
Lily hid her tear-stained face in the collar of Mark's dark suit coat.
Mark: Baby, look at daddy. Tell me what happened here.
Lily: She won't feed me! She makes me clean the car!
Mark: How long has this been happening, sweetie?
Lily: Every day when you go to work!
Victoria stepped closer, shaking her head briskly with an annoyed expression.
She folded her arms tightly across her chest and sneered slightly at the child.
Victoria: She is lying, Mark! She needs strict discipline!
Mark: She is three years old, Victoria! She does not lie about food!
Victoria: She threw a fit because I asked her to pick up her toys!
Mark: Look at the tire! Look at the mud on her dress!
Victoria: You are overreacting as usual! I am trying to manage this household!
Mark: You are abusing my trust and harming my child in my own home!
Mark stood up slowly, keeping Lily wrapped safely inside his left arm.
His chest heaved as he pointed a trembling finger directly at Victoria's face.
Victoria took a quick step backward, surprised by the sheer fury in his voice.
She had never seen Mark lose his composure like this before today.
Mark: You starved my daughter while I was at work earning a living!
Victoria: I was only trying to teach her proper discipline!
Mark: Get out of my house right now!
Victoria: Mark, be reasonable! We can discuss this like adults inside!
Mark: There is nothing left to discuss! You are leaving immediately!
Victoria reached out to touch his arm, trying to soften her harsh tone.
Mark stepped back firmly, refusing to allow her anywhere near his child.