The front door of the mansion unlocked with a sharp click.
Julian walked inside while carrying a dark leather briefcase.
He had ended his business trip early to surprise his daughter.
He expected to see a warm and peaceful family scene today.
Instead, he froze in his tracks at the grand entrance doorway.
Lily: Daddy!
Lily cried out as soon as she saw his familiar face.
Julian dropped his heavy briefcase directly onto the marble floor.
The loud thud echoed off the high ceiling walls instantly.
He saw his young daughter crying softly on the carpeted floor.
Her clothes were dirty and her cheeks were covered in soot marks.
Julian: Shh... Daddy's here, sweetie.
Julian dropped to his knees right beside his small child.
He wrapped his strong arms securely around her trembling body.
Lily pressed her wet face tight into his warm suit chest.
Julian: What happened to you, Lily?
Lily: She made me clean all the shoes on the rug.
Julian: Who made you do this?
Lily: Victoria told me I was a servant girl.
Julian looked up slowly with pure fury in his dark eyes.
Victoria was standing nearby with an unbothered smirk on her lips.
She adjusted her diamond necklace without showing any fear at all.
Victoria: She needs to learn some discipline in this house, Julian.
Julian: Are you out of your mind?
Victoria: She should feel proud to polish my high heels.
Julian: You made my eight-year-old child kneel on the carpet?
Victoria: A spoiled child needs to understand her proper place.
Julian took off his navy suit jacket with quick movements.
He gently wrapped the soft coat around his shivering daughter's shoulders.
Julian: You will never speak to her like that again.
Victoria: Do not raise your voice at me in this house!
Julian: Neither will this house belong to you anymore!
Victoria scoffed loudly and crossed her arms over her chest.
She believed Julian was too madly in love to leave her.
She thought her high social standing made her completely untouchable here.
Julian stood up to his full height in front of her.
The air in the foyer became cold and heavy with tension.