Mark walked up the wide stairs, his polished shoes making sharp echoes.
He found Victoria sitting on the upper landing drinking iced tea.
She was wearing a silk dress and looking over design books for the mansion.
An American flag artwork hung proudly on the white wall behind her.
Mark: Victoria, we need to talk right now about how you treat Lily.
Victoria did not even look up from her interior design magazine.
Victoria: Mark, please do not start with the drama the second you arrive.
Mark: You told my child she is going to boarding school!
Victoria lowered her magazine and gave a cold, calm smile.
Victoria: She needs discipline, Mark, and a proper environment to grow up.
Mark: This is her family home, paid for by her mother's estate trust!
Victoria stood up slowly, her eyes flashing with instant anger.
Victoria: I am your wife now, and I run this household!
Mark: You do not rule over my daughter or push her around!
While they argued, little Lily crept quietly up the stairs to retrieve her doll.
She reached the upper landing and reached for her favorite stuffed animal.
Victoria turned quickly and spotted the young girl standing near the railing.
Victoria: What did I tell you about coming up here, brat?
Victoria stepped forward aggressively and pointed her finger down at Lily.
Victoria: GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!
Lily backed up in terror, her small boot catching on the carpet edge.
She lost her balance near the steep top of the marble staircase.
Lily gasped loudly as she began to trip backward toward the drop.
Mark's instincts kicked in with violent speed as he lunged forward instantly.
He dove across the slick polished landing without thinking twice.
Mark caught Lily by her waist just as she slipped off the edge.
He pulled her safely into his chest, sliding across the white marble floor.
Lily buried her face in his suit jacket, shaking uncontrollably with panic.
Lily: DADDY, I WAS SO SCARED!
Mark: YOU'RE SAFE NOW, BABY.
Mark held his daughter tightly, feeling his heart pounding like thunder inside.
He looked up at Victoria with absolute, blazing fury in his eyes.