The terrified young girl wept bitterly, clutching Sarah's apron with white knuckles.
Sarah whispered words of comfort, shielding Lily's back with her own arms entirely.
Victoria raised the wooden stick higher, shouting furious orders at the kneeling nanny.
She shouted that worthless servants had no rights inside this expensive luxury estate.
Her loud insults bounced off the white walls and grand crystal chandeliers above.
Lily looked up through her tear-streaked eyes and saw Victoria's high-heeled shoes.
The cruel woman took one aggressive step forward, aiming to intimidate them further.
Lily felt a sudden surge of courage inside her small, trembling body.
She knew she had to protect Sarah just as Sarah had protected her.
With lightning speed, the little girl reached out both hands toward Victoria's foot.
She grabbed Victoria's high-heeled ankle with all the physical strength she possessed.
She gave a hard, sudden yank sideways, catching the arrogant woman off balance.
Victoria shrieked loudly as her feet slipped completely off the smooth marble floor.
Her heavy maroon diamond gown rustled wildly as she crashed down hard backward.
The wooden stick clattered loudly, rolling far across the shiny kitchen floor tiles.
Victoria hit the floor with a heavy thud, gasping for breath in total shock.
Her perfectly styled hair bun loosened, spreading strands of dark hair everywhere.
Lily shouted at the top of her lungs, telling Victoria to leave them alone.
Sarah quickly pulled Lily back, standing up to put distance between them.
Victoria groaned in humiliation, struggling to push herself up off the marble.
She glared at the child with sheer hatred, her face turned red with anger.
She threatened to strip Lily of her entire inheritance once she took control.
She raised her hand wildly, reaching out toward the terrified child again.
But before she could stand up completely, heavy footsteps echoed from the front hallway.
The grand frosted glass double doors were suddenly kicked open with tremendous force.
The loud slam echoed through the vast estate like a sharp clap of thunder.
A tall figure strode into the room, his black suit coat flapping open.
It was Richard Vance, returning early after forgetting important legal documents upstairs.
He took in the horrifying scene in one quick, icy glance across the room.
His little daughter was weeping frantically beside their bruised, trembling nanny.
His prospective bride was sprawled on the floor beside a heavy wooden weapon.
Richard's face paled before turning into a mask of pure, explosive paternal fury.