Mark adjusted his dark suit jacket as he walked through the grand entrance of the mansion.
He carried his young daughter Lily on his hip while she giggled softly against his neck.
The bright sun shone through the big floor windows and lit up the white marble foyer.
Mark had built a successful real estate business over the last ten years of hard work.
He wanted to give Lily the absolute best life after her mother passed away years ago.
Mark: Do you like your new bedroom upstairs, Lily?
Lily: Yes, Daddy, it has a big window!
Mark: I'm glad you love it, my sweet girl.
Victoria walked down the wide marble staircase wearing a dark blue silk blouse and a cold smile.
She had been dating Mark for six months and recently moved into the family estate.
Mark believed that Victoria would be a caring presence for his motherless daughter in this home.
Victoria: You two seem very happy today.
Mark: We are just getting settled into the new place, Victoria.
Victoria: Make sure she doesn't leave her toys on the marble stairs, Mark.
Mark noticed the sharp edge in Victoria's voice, but he decided to ignore it for now.
He placed Lily gently down on the polished floor so she could play with her doll.
Lily wore her bright red dress that her grandmother had bought for her last birthday party.
She ran happily toward the sunlit living room to arrange her favorite small toys on the rug.
Victoria watched the young girl with narrow eyes and a stiff, silent posture near the stairs.
Victoria: I need to speak with you about the inheritance papers later, Mark.
Mark: We can discuss my estate plan tomorrow morning at the office.
Victoria: It is better to settle these legal matters as soon as possible.
Mark felt a small drop of worry in his chest, but he kept his voice steady.
He loved Victoria, but his entire trust fund belonged exclusively to his young daughter Lily.
He walked toward his home office to check his urgent business emails before the afternoon hit.
Victoria turned around and walked slowly up the curved stairs toward the second-floor indoor balcony.
Lily picked up her favorite doll and decided to follow Victoria upstairs to show her a drawing.
The child did not know that jealousy was growing hotter inside Victoria's mind every single minute.