Arthur opened his study door when he heard the noisy commotion in the foyer.
He walked fast into the hallway, looking around the bright space in utter confusion.
His heart sank when he saw his young daughter crying near the marble stairs.
Mia: Daddy!
Mia broke free from Victoria's grip and ran straight into her father's waiting arms.
Arthur knelt on the hard floor and wrapped his strong arms around his daughter.
He held her close and felt her small body trembling with deep emotional fear.
Arthur: What happened to your dress, sweetie?
Mia: Stepmom took me into the gallery and tore my dress with scissors!
Arthur looked up at Victoria with a look of growing shock and sharp anger.
Victoria quickly adjusted her magenta dress and tried to look calm and innocent.
Victoria: Arthur, she is lying because I told her to go to bed early.
Arthur: You touched my daughter and ruined her mother's special keepsake dress?
Arthur stood up slowly, keeping Mia safely behind his back near the stairs.
The entire ballroom had gone completely silent as all the guests watched the drama.
Victoria took a step back and laughed nervously while shaking her head in denial.
Victoria: I would never do such a cruel thing to your little girl.
Mia: She said I was not allowed to look pretty at the party!
Arthur felt a cold anger wash over his heart as he looked at Victoria.
He remembered seeing small bruises on Mia's arm a few weeks ago too.
He had trusted Victoria to love and protect his motherless child like a mother.
Now he realized that he had let a dangerous person into their peaceful home.
Victoria: Arthur, you cannot listen to the wild imagination of an eight-year-old child.
Arthur: Mia never lies to me, Victoria.
Victoria: Ask anyone here, I have been a wonderful mother to this girl!
Arthur walked toward the large wall-mounted monitor in the center of the foyer.
The monitor was connected to the high-definition security system of the entire mansion.
Victoria's face turned pale as she saw Arthur pull out the security control remote.
Victoria: Arthur, there is no need to make a scene in front of our guests!
Arthur: Play the gallery camera on the main screen right now!