David pointed toward Victoria, who was standing frozen near the indoor fountain.
David: That is Victoria Vance. She has embezzled funds and neglected my daughter.
The senior deputy walked forward and produced a set of metallic hand restraints.
Deputy: Mrs. Vance, you need to come with us for questioning right now.
Victoria: You cannot touch me! Do you know how rich my family is?!
The deputy firmly took her arm and guided her down the front steps.
Victoria shouted angry threats until she was placed in the back seat.
The police car drove away down the driveway, leaving total quiet behind it.
David took a deep breath of fresh air and turned back into the house.
He walked slowly up the carpeted stairs toward his daughter's corner bedroom suite.
He knocked gently on the white painted wood door three distinct times.
David: Lily? It is safe now, sweetie. She is gone from our house.
The door opened slowly, and Lily stepped out wearing her favorite yellow dress.
She looked up at her father with wide eyes full of hope and relief.
Lily: Is she really never coming back here again, Dad?
David: She will never step foot inside this home ever again, I promise.
David bent down and lifted his daughter into a tight, warm fatherly hug.
Lily: I was so scared you would take her side instead of mine.
David: I will always choose you over anyone else in this entire world.
He walked her down the stairs and into the brightly lit sunroom space.
He opened a small box on the table and pulled out the fruit pastry.
Lily smiled for the first time in months as she took a sweet bite.
David sat beside her, knowing their true family peace was finally restored today.