Victoria: You... you planned this! You set a trap for me with those cameras!
Arthur: I didn't set a trap, Victoria. I simply put up cameras to protect my home. You walked into this disaster all by yourself because you couldn't control your own hatred.
Lily: Victoria... I tried to be nice to you. I did your errands, I cleaned your rooms, I tried everything so you would accept me...
Victoria: Shut up, you miserable little rat! This is all your fault! If you had never come here, Arthur and I would still be happy!
Arthur: Don't you dare speak to her like that again!
The heavy front doors of the mansion swung open once more. Marcus, the broad-shouldered head of estate security, walked into the checkered hallway accompanied by two uniformed police officers from the local precinct[cite: 1].
Marcus: Mr. Vance, we got your call. Is everything alright?
Arthur: Everything is under control, Marcus. Mrs. Vance has just been informed that her presence in this home is no longer permitted. She has five minutes to gather her personal items under your supervision.
Police Officer: Ma'am, please step away from the stairs and keep your hands where we can see them.
Victoria: Get your hands off me! Do you know who I am?! I am Victoria Vance! My family owns half the commercial real estate in this district!
Police Officer: Ma'am, we have received a domestic assault complaint from the owner of this residence. If you do not cooperate peacefully, we will place you under arrest for criminal trespassing and assault immediately.
Victoria looked around the luxury hallway in total disbelief. The pristine white walls, the sparkling crystal chandeliers, and the framed US flag hanging in the background foyer all seemed to mock her sudden downfall[cite: 1]. Her prestige, her wealth, and her status were vanishing in front of her eyes.
Victoria: Arthur, please... don't do this to me in front of the officers... let's talk in private...
Arthur: There is nothing left to talk about, Victoria. Marcus, take her upstairs to grab her coat and handbag. Then escort her off my land.
Marcus: Right this way, ma'am. Move along.
Marcus stepped in front of Victoria, pointing toward the staircase with a stern, unyielding expression. Victoria's shoulders slumped in defeat. She dragged her feet up the polished stairs, her golden sequined dress rustling softly as tears of humiliation finally spilled down her cheeks[cite: 1].
Once the sound of her heels faded down the upper corridor, the hallway fell into a peaceful, quiet calm. Arthur turned back to his daughter, taking her cold hands in his own warm grip[cite: 1].
Arthur: Lily, look at me.
Lily: Dad... are you really going to divorce her?
Arthur: Yes, sweetheart. I am filing the papers today. And I am so sorry... I am so sorry I didn't see what she was doing to you sooner.
Lily: I was so scared you wouldn't believe me... she told me every day that you loved her more than you loved me...
Arthur: That was a lie, Lily. A terrible, cruel lie. You are my daughter, the memory of your mother, and the most important person in my life. Nobody will ever make you feel small in this house again.
Arthur reached out, gently drying a tear from her cheek with the thumb of his hand. Lily smiled through her tears, stepping forward to wrap her arms tightly around her father's waist.
Lily: Thank you, Dad.
Arthur: Come on, let's get you cleaned up. Mrs. Gable is preparing hot tea in the kitchen, and then we're going online to order every single dress you need for university next week.