Mark slowly stood up while keeping Lily securely tucked in his arm.
He walked her down the stairs and set her safely in the study.
He locked the study door softly so she would remain entirely safe.
Then Mark marched back up the grand staircase to face his wife.
Victoria was pacing near the American flag painting, looking flustered.
Victoria: It was an accident, Mark, she just tripped on her own feet!
Mark: DON'T YOU EVER DARE TOUCH MY CHILD AGAIN! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!
Victoria: You cannot kick me out! We are legally married under Texas law!
Mark: You threatened a little girl in her own home!
Victoria: Half of this house belongs to me now anyway, Mark!
Mark let out a bitter, cold laugh that made Victoria freeze.
Mark: Is that why you married me so quickly six months ago?
Victoria: I married you because I loved you, of course!
Mark: You thought you were signing onto a giant fortune and a mansion.
Victoria: I am your wife, and I have legal rights to this estate!
Mark pulled out his cell phone and quickly dialed a familiar phone number.
He placed the call on speakerphone so Victoria could hear every word.
Lawyer: Hello Mark, this is your divorce lawyer, David Miller.
Mark: David, please clarify the legal ownership of the Dallas property for Victoria.
Lawyer: The Dallas mansion is held in a strict child trust fund, Victoria.
Victoria's face instantly lost all of its color as she listened closely.
Lawyer: Mark does not own the house outright, his late wife's estate does.
Lawyer: Lily is the sole beneficiary of the house and the entire trust.
Lawyer: Any new spouse has zero claim or rights to the property whatsoever.
Mark ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Mark: You do not own a single brick in this entire building, Victoria.
Victoria clenched her fists tightly, her face turning bright red with embarrassment.