David called a local family law attorney right after locking the front entryway.
He explained the entire situation clearly while Brenda sat sulking on the couch.
The attorney advised David to keep all physical records and contact family support services.
Two hours later, Brenda's mother Margaret arrived at the house after receiving a text.
Margaret was a strict woman who always demanded absolute honesty from her children.
Margaret: Brenda, what on earth is David talking about on the phone?
Brenda: He is completely blowing a tiny family chore misunderstanding out of proportion.
David handed Margaret the printed photos of the basement and the secret black ledger.
Margaret put on her reading glasses and studied every page in total silent horror.
Margaret: Brenda, did you force this sweet little girl to work late nights?
Brenda: I was trying to make extra money for our future savings account!
Margaret: You bought three expensive designer purses just this afternoon with that money!
Brenda lowered her head in total embarrassment as her own mother confronted her sharply.
Margaret: I raised you better than to treat a motherless child with such cruelty.
Brenda: She was not hurt, she was just helping out around the house!
David: She was crying in school because she was too exhausted to pay attention.
Margaret: You should be utterly ashamed of yourself for doing this to Lilly.
Lilly walked quietly downstairs after waking up from her afternoon nap upstairs in bed.
She saw Margaret holding the ledger and shrank back toward the stair railing nervously.
David walked over to Lilly and lifted her gently into his strong arms.
David: You are completely safe now, Lilly, and no one will force you again.
Lilly: Is Brenda going away because I told my teacher the truth?
David: No, sweetheart, you did nothing wrong by telling the truth to everyone.
Margaret looked at Brenda with severe disappointment visible across her pale wrinkled face.
Margaret: Pack your bags right now, Brenda, because you are coming with me.
Brenda: You are taking his side over your own biological daughter, mom?
Margaret: I am taking the side of an innocent nine year old child today.
Brenda stomped upstairs in total anger to pack her personal clothing items quickly.
David sat down with Lilly and offered her a warm glass of fresh milk.
David: From now on, your only job is going to school and playing outside.
Lilly wrapped her small arms around David's neck and hugged him tightly back.
David knew the fight was far from over, but the truth was finally out.