Grant stood near the wide kitchen window and looked out at the sunny backyard.
The white marble counters shone brightly under the soft morning light.
A decorative American flag hung proudly on the kitchen wall near the dining space.
He carried a heavy heart ever since his first wife passed away two years ago.
His young daughter Lily was his entire world, and her happiness meant everything to him.
When Grant met Victoria six months ago, she seemed like a kind and gentle woman.
She smiled warmly at Grant and promised to be a loving presence in the house.
They got married quickly because Grant wanted Lily to have a complete family again.
However, small details began to change as soon as Victoria moved into the mansion.
She spoke sharply to the young girl whenever Grant walked out of the room.
Lily started spending more time quiet and isolated inside her small upstairs bedroom.
Grant noticed the change in his daughter but assumed she was still grieving her mother.
He walked toward the stove to pour himself a fresh cup of morning coffee.
Victoria walked into the kitchen wearing a expensive champagne satin robe.
She looked around the bright room with a calm and demanding expression on her face.
Victoria: We need to talk about the family trust fund today, Grant.
Grant: My father set up that fund specifically for Lily's future college expenses.
Victoria: I am your wife now, so my name should be on those legal papers.
Grant: The inheritance belongs to my daughter and will stay in her name only.
Victoria narrowed her eyes slightly and folded her arms across her satin robe.
She did not push the issue further while Grant was looking straight at her.
Grant felt a slight chill in his chest as he watched her turn away silently.
He loved his new wife, but his promise to his late bride came first.
Little did he know that Victoria had already planned her next sinister step.