The sanctuary was silent as family members took their seats near the front row.
Arthur sat stiffly in the wooden pew, holding his young daughter's cold hand.
His wife, Clara, had passed away suddenly just five days before the funeral.
The doctors had blamed a heart condition, but deep down, Arthur felt something was wrong.
Standing beside the floral displays was Victoria, Clara's ambitious business partner from the firm.
Victoria wore a tailored purple suit and kept checking her expensive gold wristwatch every few minutes.
She had spent the last three days talking about Clara's multi-million-dollar estate and pending business buyout.
Arthur tried to focus on his grief, but Victoria's pushy presence made him feel deeply uneasy.
Little Lily clutched a worn brown teddy bear tightly against her small chest.
The plush toy had been a special gift from Clara right before she was admitted to the hospital.
Lily had refused to put the bear down ever since her mother took her final breath.
Victoria stepped closer to Arthur and offered a fake, sympathetic smile that did not reach her eyes.
Victoria: We need to discuss the trust fund documents right after the service finishes.
Arthur: My wife is not even buried yet, Victoria.
Victoria: Time is critical for the board meeting tomorrow morning.
Arthur: The business can wait until next week.
Victoria sighed loudly and adjusted the pearl necklace resting against her collarbone.
She reached out her hand toward Lily, aiming to pat the young girl's head.
Lily instantly flinched and pulled back against her father's shoulder.
The little girl pointed a trembling finger directly at Victoria's face.
Little Girl: She poisoned mommy's medicine!
A sharp whisper echoed across the quiet rows of church pews.
Arthur gasped and looked down at his crying child with absolute shock.
Victoria took a quick step backward, her face turning pale under the bright lighting.
Victoria: The poor child is confused by her deep grief.
Arthur: What did you just say, Lily?
Little Girl: I saw her near mommy's bedside table!
Arthur felt a cold wave of fear wash over his entire body.
He looked at Victoria, whose calm demeanor was rapidly beginning to crumble.