Three hours later, the pediatric ward at Palm Beach Memorial Hospital was quiet and warm. Lily was propped up in a hospital bed, wrapped in soft fleece blankets, a small bandage covering the scratch on her cheek. Her color had returned, and she was sipping warm apple juice through a straw.
Julian sat on the edge of the bed, gently brushing a dry strand of blonde hair from her forehead.
Julian: "How are you feeling, sweet girl?"
Lily: "I'm warm now, Daddy. The nice lady gave me warm blankets."
Julian: "I know, baby. The doctors said you're going to be completely okay."
Lily: "Is... is Mommy Victoria coming back to the house?"
Julian took her tiny hand in his, holding it tightly between his palms.
Julian: "No, Lily. Victoria is never coming back to our house again. She's going away for a very long time."
Lily: "Did she go away because I moved while she was fixing my hair?"
Julian felt a tear sting his eye as he realized how deeply Victoria's cruel words had wounded his innocent child's mind.
Julian: "Listen to me very carefully, Lily. What happened today was NOT your fault. You did nothing wrong. Victoria was mean, and mean people have to face consequences."
Lily: "I missed Mommy Sarah today..."
Julian: "I know, sweetheart. I miss her every single day too. But your mommy is watching over us, and she would be so proud of how brave you were today."
A knock sounded at the hospital room door, and Julian's estate manager, Mrs. Gable, stepped inside holding a large stuffed teddy bear and a fresh change of dry clothes for Lily.
Mrs. Gable: "Mr. Sterling, the legal team has completed the emergency restraining order filing. The judge signed off on it twenty minutes ago."
Julian: "Thank you, Mrs. Gable. What about her access to the house?"
Mrs. Gable: "The locks on the mansion have already been changed, and security guards are posted at the main gates. Her personal belongings have been packed into boxes and sent to her lawyer's office."
Julian: "Good. Make sure her name is removed from every family account and trust document by five o'clock."
Mrs. Gable: "It's already being taken care of, sir. Victoria Vance no longer exists in connection to the Sterling estate."
Lily reached out, taking the stuffed teddy bear from Mrs. Gable with a small, shy smile.
Lily: "Thank you, Mrs. Gable."
Mrs. Gable: "You're very welcome, little princess. You get some rest now."