The heavy front door swung open with a loud creak that echoed down the hallway.
Victoria stepped inside wearing a bright red coat and high black designer heels.
She stopped immediately when she saw Arthur sitting on the marble floor near the stairs.
Her sharp green eyes locked onto the empty glass needle lying near Lily's dress.
"What is the meaning of this scene in my hallway?" Victoria demanded angrily.
She walked briskly across the room, her heels clicking loudly on the polished floor.
"Arthur had an attack, ma'am, but Lily saved him," Elena said very nervously.
Victoria snatched the empty needle off the floor with a swift, aggressive motion.
"You gave him the reserve dose from his jacket pocket?" Victoria shouted out loud.
"He was dying, Victoria!" Lily stood up and shouted right back at her.
Victoria slapped her hand down on the wooden table with a loud, sudden bang.
"Do not yell at me in my own house, you foolish child!" Victoria snapped back.
Arthur reached out a weak hand toward Victoria from his spot on the floor.
"Victoria, please... do not talk to Lily like that," Arthur said softly.
Victoria looked down at her husband with a cold and completely emotionless expression.
"That reserve dose cost ten thousand dollars to order from the special pharmacy," she lied.
"My father's life is worth more than your money!" Lily barked with brave eyes.
Victoria took a step closer to Lily and pointed a long fingernail at her face.
"You have no idea how much trouble you have caused today," Victoria hissed quietly.
"Elena, take Arthur upstairs to his room right now and lock the door," Victoria ordered.
"No, Elena, stay right here!" Lily commanded, refusing to back down easily.
Victoria laughed softly, a dry sound that had zero real joy behind it.
"You think you have power here because your father loves you?" Victoria asked coldly.
She pulled a thin white envelope out of her leather purse with a cruel grin.
"This is the legal petition to place Arthur under complete adult conservatorship," she stated.
Lily glared at the document, not fully understanding the complex legal words used.
"It means I control his estate, his care, and your custody starting tomorrow," Victoria added.
Elena gasped out loud and covered her mouth with both hands in pure horror.
Arthur tried to stand up, but his energy was still far too drained.
"You cannot do this, Victoria... the foundation belongs to Lily," Arthur stammered out.
"Not anymore, my dear husband, not after I show the judge your medical reports," she laughed.
Lily knew right then that she had to find help from outside the mansion.