Richard was across the large room talking to his company's head legal representative, Marcus.
Marcus was holding an important file regarding the family trust fund that Richard had established.
Marcus: Everything is ready for the final signature on the estate agreement, Richard.
Richard: Thank you, Marcus, I want to make sure Lily is fully protected no matter what happens.
Marcus: You are a good father, Richard, she is a wonderful child.
Suddenly, Richard heard a commotion coming from the head table near the American flag.
He turned around and saw Vanessa standing angrily over a small crying figure.
Richard recognized his daughter's beige dress immediately and felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He dropped his glass onto a tray and rushed across the ballroom floor.
His fast footsteps echoed against the polished marble surrounding the carpet.
When he reached the table, he saw Lily backed up against the wall, clutching her arms.
Her face was red and tears were pouring down her tiny chin.
Vanessa was still red-faced, holding a soiled cloth and breathing heavily.
Richard: What is going on here, Vanessa?
Vanessa instantly changed her posture and put on a worried expression.
Vanessa: Oh Richard, thank goodness you are back!
Richard: Why is Lily crying like this?
Vanessa: She had a terrible temper tantrum and threw juice all over my dress!
Richard: Lily did that on purpose?
Vanessa: Yes darling, she is acting out because she does not want us to get married!
Lily shook her head frantically as she looked up at her father.
Lily: That is not true, Daddy! I did not do it on purpose!
Vanessa: Do not lie to your father, you little brat!
Richard knelt down on the floor right in front of his shaking daughter.
He wrapped his arms around her small shoulders and pulled her close to his heart.
Richard: Take a deep breath, sweetheart, tell Daddy what really happened.
Lily: Someone bumped into me and the juice spilled by accident, Daddy...
Richard: And then what happened, Lily?
Lily: Vanessa pushed my food away, grabbed my arm tight, and said she was going to send me away forever!