Mark charged into the grand marble entryway with his heavy coat flying open behind his back.
He did not even drop his leather travel bag before rushing straight toward the main living room.
The sudden noise made Victoria jump up quickly from her soft armchair in total surprise.
Her glass bowl tipped over instantly, sending crisp green grapes rolling across the polished marble floor.
Mark stopped dead in his tracks as his eyes locked onto the horrifying scene before him.
His tiny two-year-old daughter was sitting helpless on the cold floor in a ruined, dirty outfit.
A filthy animal bowl sat right between her legs, covered in dry rice and tearful stains.
Lily raised her stained face toward her father and let out a soft, heartbreaking gasp of recognition.
Lily: Daddy... home!
Mark felt his entire world shatter into a million sharp, painful pieces in one single second.
A wave of pure, overwhelming anger surged through his veins as he turned his gaze upward.
He looked at Victoria, who was now standing frozen with wide, panic-stricken eyes near the couch.
Mark: What is the meaning of this?
Victoria: Mark, darling, you are home so early!
Mark: Look at my daughter right now!
Victoria: It is just a harmless game!
Mark: A game? Are you completely insane?
Victoria: She refused to eat at the table!
Mark: You put my child on the floor!
Victoria: She was being messy, I swear!
Mark took three long, terrifying steps forward, his powerful face twisted with absolute, cold rage.
Victoria backed away nervously until her lower back pressed hard against the wooden side table.
She had never seen her wealthy, gentle husband look at her with such profound hatred before.
Clara stepped out from behind the wide pillar, holding up her smartphone to show the father.
Clara: Sir, she does this every time you leave!
Mark: Is this really true, Clara?
Clara: I have full video recordings right here!
Victoria's face turned completely ghost white as she realized her terrible deception was fully exposed.
She reached out her trembling hand toward Mark's arm, desperately trying to construct another quick lie.
Victoria: Please, Mark, listen to me first!
Mark: Touch me again and see what happens!