One sunny afternoon, Marcus had to leave the house early for a very important board meeting downtown.
Victoria watched his car drive down the long driveway with a cold smile on her face.
She decided today was the perfect day to make Lily look like a disobedient child to her father.
She walked up the grand marble staircase to the second floor where Lily was playing in her room.
The little girl was sitting on the rug holding a silver locket that belonged to her late mother.
The locket contained a sweet picture of her mother smiling in the sunshine many years ago.
It was the most precious item that Lily owned in her whole life.
Victoria stepped into the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind her with a loud bang.
Victoria: Give me that necklace right now, you little brat.
Lily: No, this belonged to my mommy, please do not take it!
Victoria: You do not deserve nice things in this house anymore.
Victoria grabbed the small silver chain from the girl's small hands with a rough yank.
Lily burst into tears and tried to reach for the necklace that meant everything to her heart.
Victoria held it high above her head and walked out onto the second-story balcony terrace.
The balcony overlooked the grand main entrance foyer far below with its hard marble floor.
The bright sunlight streamed through the high windows, making the whole room sparkle with light.
Victoria stood near the top of the balcony railing while holding the small silver locket out wide.
Lily: Please, Victoria, do not throw it down there!
Victoria: If you want it, you will have to step up and get it yourself.
Victoria deliberate pushed the girl toward the ledge while pretending to reach for the railing.
Lily lost her balance on the polished floor and cried out in terror as she slipped near the edge.
She clung tightly to the wooden railing while looking down at the hard floor far below her feet.
Lily: Help me! Daddy, please help me!
Victoria just stood there with a cold stare and did not offer a single hand to help the child.
She wanted the girl to drop the locket and fall into trouble so Marcus would send her away.
Her cruel heart showed no mercy as the frightened child held onto the wooden railing for safety.