Arthur walked up the grand staircase with steady and deliberate steps.
Victoria took a quick step backward toward the master hallway.
Her eyes darted toward the front entrance as if searching for an exit.
Arthur stopped just two feet away from his wife on the landing.
Arthur: You did not try to catch her at all.
Victoria: I was too far away to do anything!
Arthur: You were standing right beside the top railing!
Victoria: Stop shouting at me in front of the child!
Arthur felt a wave of rage washing over his entire body.
He raised his free hand and pointed his finger directly at Victoria's face.
Arthur: Touch my child again and you are done in this house!
Victoria flinched slightly and pressed her back against the wallpapered wall.
She adjusted the pussy-bow collar on her silk blouse with trembling hands.
Victoria: You are completely out of your mind, Arthur.
Victoria: I have taken care of this girl since your divorce!
Arthur: You have neglected her since the day you moved in!
Lily buried her small face into Arthur's neck, still sobbing quietly.
Arthur could feel his daughter's tiny heart beating rapidly against his chest.
He knew Victoria had married him for his status and massive fortune.
He had hoped she would at least treat his young daughter with kindness.
Instead, her harsh attitude had grown worse over the past few months.
Victoria glared at him with cold, calculating resentment.
Victoria: You care more about this brat than your own wife!
Arthur: She is my daughter, and she comes before everything!
Victoria scoffed and turned her head away toward the lower foyer.
Arthur realized he could no longer live under the same roof with her.
He needed to protect Lily from any further distress or neglect.
He stepped past Victoria to head toward his private home office upstairs.
Then, Lily lifted her head and made a sudden gesture with her arm.
Her small hand pointed straight down toward the main hallway below.
Lily: Daddy, that cabinet!
Arthur stopped in his tracks and looked down into the foyer.
Victoria immediately stiffened, her face turning completely pale as chalk.