Alexander stood up slowly, keeping Lily safely behind his back.
His posture was rigid, and his jaw was clenched tightly in outrage.
Alexander: WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY DAUGHTER?!
Victoria: Alexander, I can explain!
Alexander: Explain why my seven-year-old child is kneeling at your feet?!
Victoria: She was misbehaving, darling!
Lily: I was not misbehaving, Daddy!
Victoria: She is lying to you, Alexander!
Alexander looked down at the maid uniform cap Victoria had placed on Lily's head.
He saw the bucket of dirty water and the polishing rag near Victoria's shoes.
The realization of what had been happening hit him like a physical blow.
Alexander: You treated my daughter like a servant in my own house?
Victoria: It was just a small lesson in humility!
Alexander: She is a child!
Victoria stepped back toward the marble table, her confidence rapidly fading away.
Victoria: I am her stepmother, I have the right to discipline her!
Alexander: You have no rights in this home anymore!
Alexander stepped forward, closing the space between them in two powerful strides.
Victoria raised her hands defensively, still holding her crystal glass.
Victoria: Do not talk to me like that in front of the child!
Alexander: GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!
He pointed his finger directly toward the open grand entrance doors.
Victoria tried to step past him, but her heel caught on the edge of the rug.
She stumbled slightly, spilling the rest of her drink onto her expensive gown.
Victoria: You cannot treat me this way, Alexander!
Alexander: I gave you my trust, and you abused my precious baby!
Victoria: She needed to learn her place!
Alexander's eyes flashed with absolute paternal fury at her cruel words.
He stepped closer and pointed his finger inches from her face.
Alexander: Her place is as the center of my life, not your maid!
Victoria began to panic as she realized her comfortable life was ending.
She looked around the massive foyer, desperate to find an excuse.
Victoria: Please, Alexander, think about our prenup and our image!
Alexander: I do not care about money or image when it comes to Lily!
Lily watched from behind her father, feeling safe for the first time all day.