The security guard stepped into the sunlit garage bay, looking surprised at the scene.
He took in the sight of spilled food, broken plates, and Mark holding Lily.
Guard: Is everything alright, Mr. Sterling?
Mark: Escort Victoria off the property grounds immediately, Arthur.
Arthur: Yes, sir. Right away.
Victoria: Keep your hands off me! I am the mistress of this house!
Mark: Not anymore, Victoria. Your access codes are already revoked.
Arthur stepped politely between Victoria and the walkway leading inside the house.
He extended his hand toward the outer driveway, guiding her firmly away.
Victoria glared at Mark with intense resentment as she was forced to walk.
Victoria: You will regret treating me like this, Mark!
Mark: I only regret that I did not catch your cruel nature sooner!
As Arthur escorted Victoria down the driveway, Mark carried Lily into the kitchen.
He sat her gently on the high kitchen stool and wiped her cheeks clean.
He washed her hands with warm water and prepared a fresh plate of warm food.
Lily ate hungrily, looking up at her father with soft, grateful eyes.
Mark placed a gentle hand on her head, promising never to leave her again.
An hour later, Mark sat in his home office with his estate attorney on speakerphone.
He explained everything that took place in the garage earlier that afternoon.
Attorney: We have more than enough grounds for immediate annulment and protective orders.
Mark: Make sure she cannot come within five hundred feet of Lily ever again.
Attorney: I will file the emergency restraining order first thing in the morning.
Mark: Thank you, Richard. Protect my daughter at all costs.
Mark hung up the phone and looked out the window toward the sunset.
The air felt lighter inside the large house for the very first time.