Arthur paused with the delicate porcelain rim just inches away from his lips.
He looked up in utter surprise as his daughter's frantic warning echoed through the estate.
Victoria jumped up from her high dining chair with a look of pure rage.
She lunged forward across the polished floor to grab Lily before the child could reach the table.
Victoria: Stop right now, you silly little girl!
Lily: Let go of my dress! Leave me alone!
Lily squirmed out of Victoria's grasp with all the strength in her small body.
She leaped toward the heavy dining table and shoved Arthur's arm with both hands.
The porcelain teacup flew out of Arthur's fingers and smashed violently against the marble tiles.
Hot amber liquid splashed across the glossy floor in every direction around the dining area.
Arthur gasped in absolute shock as he stood up from his carved wooden chair.
Arthur: Lily! What on earth has gotten into you this morning?
Before anyone could say another word, a harsh sizzling sound filled the large room.
The dark liquid on the floor began to bubble furiously into a white thick foam.
The smooth surface of the expensive white marble floor turned dark and started dissolving.
A sharp chemical odor drifted up into the air, making the butler step back.
Arthur stared down at the ruined floor tiles in utter disbelief and growing horror.
The strong acid was eating away at the stone right where he had been standing.
Arthur: What is the meaning of this? Why is this liquid bubbling like that?
Lily hid behind her father's waist, pointing a trembling finger straight at Victoria.
Lily: She made it for you! She put something terrible inside your cup!
Victoria stood frozen in place under the large framed flag on the tall wall.
Her pale face lost all color as the entire room stared directly at her.
Victoria: She is making things up! The tea mix must have been defective!