David stood like a tall wall between his small daughter and the stepmother.
His face was dark with an intense anger that Victoria had never seen before.
David: Why is my child dressed like a maid and weeping on the floor?
Victoria slowly descended the polished stairs without losing her calm and haughty expression.
She raised her chin proudly and took another quiet sip from her crystal glass.
Victoria: She needed discipline, David. She was getting far too spoiled and lazy.
David: She is ten years old! She is a child, not a servant girl!
Victoria stopped right in front of him, her red lips curving into a sneer.
Victoria: This house requires order, and I am the mistress of this estate.
David: You are my wife, but you do not own my child or this home.
Victoria rolled her eyes and gestured dismissively with her manicured hand.
Victoria: You soft-hearted fool. You work long hours and leave her to run wild.
David: I work hard to provide for her, and I trusted you to care for her!
Victoria set her wine glass down on the side table with a loud click.
Victoria: I am teaching her real life lessons while you play the gentle father.
David: You are abusing your authority in my house while my back is turned.
Victoria: Be careful how you speak to me in front of the help, David.
David looked down at his daughter who was cowering behind his leather shoes.
He realized in that single moment how blind he had been for months.
Ever since his late wife passed away, he had tried to give Lily a complete family.
He had married Victoria thinking she would bring warmth and stability to their lives.
Instead, she had systematically turned their mansion into a prison for his only child.
David: Take off that uniform right now, Lily, and go to your bedroom upstairs.
Lily nodded quickly and ran toward the back staircase as fast as she could.
Victoria tried to step forward to block the little girl from walking away.
David instantly moved into her path, his wide chest blocking her entire view.
David: Do not step toward my daughter ever again, Victoria.
Victoria: You cannot command me like one of your corporate employees, David!
David: I am calling my estate lawyer right this second to end this marriage.