The party slowly continued as people mingled, but the bad mood remained heavy.
Marcus walked into the adjacent quiet nursery to lay Lily down inside her cradle.
The room was soft and filled with warm sunlight fading into early dusk shadows.
He placed the baby gently onto the soft cotton mattress and patted her back.
Marcus: Sleep tight, little one, Daddy is right outside the door.
He turned around and found Victoria standing right inside the quiet doorway.
She blocked the exit with her arms crossed tightly over her burgundy dress.
Marcus: You need to leave this room right now, Victoria.
Victoria: We need to talk about the mortgage on this grand property.
Marcus: There is nothing to discuss until the probate court ruling next week.
Victoria: If you sign over custody rights to me, I will clear the debt.
Marcus felt his blood boil at her absurd and greedy demand.
Marcus: You want me to give up my daughter for money?
Victoria: I am offering you a clean way out of total bankruptcy, Marcus.
Marcus: I would rather lose every penny than give you my child.
Victoria took two steps closer to the wooden nursery cradle with a sneer.
Marcus immediately stepped between her and the soft wooden crib frame.
Marcus: Do not step any closer to her bed.
Victoria: You think you are so brave, but you have no power here.
She reached down and picked up a fragile porcelain music box from the nightstand.
The antique box had belonged to Marcus's late mother for over twenty years.
Marcus: Put that down, Victoria, that is not yours to touch.
Victoria: Everything in this house is subject to my legal claim, Marcus.
She ran her thumb over the hand-painted porcelain top with a cold smirk.
Marcus: You are risking a major lawsuit by touching her belongings.
Victoria: Let the lawyers try to catch up with me first.
Marcus reached out and took the music box firmly out of her hands.
Victoria glared at him with pure hatred burning deep inside her cold eyes.
Victoria: You will regret turning down my offer today, Marcus.
Marcus: Get out before I have security remove you from the property.
Victoria turned on her high heels and stormed back out toward the hallway.
Marcus breathed a long sigh of relief and looked down at his sleeping baby.
He knew the battle for his family had only just begun in earnest.