Richard took three fast steps forward toward the shivering house maid on the pool floor.
He raised his open hand high in the air to deliver a sudden harsh punishment to Elena.
Elena pulled back slightly but kept her body firmly placed between the angry father and young child.
Before the heavy palm could strike, a tiny wet hand reached up and grabbed Richard's wrist tightly.
Lily pulled her father's arm down with all the strength left inside her trembling little body.
Lily: No, Daddy, stop!
Richard stopped his swinging hand mid-air and looked down into his small daughter's wide brown eyes.
Lily: It wasn't her, it was your wicked wife!
The loud statement hit the silent crowd like a sharp shockwave running through the hot summer air.
Richard slowly lowered his heavy arm while staring at his daughter's wet face in complete disbelief.
Richard: What did you just say to me, Lily?
Lily: Victoria cut my hair with scissors and pushed me into the deep water on purpose!
Lily pointed a wet index finger straight at the stepmother, who took a step back in panic.
Lily: Elena saved my life by diving in when Victoria watched me drown from the edge!
Richard turned around sharply toward his young wife, his face hardening into pure terrifying anger.
Victoria gasped softly as her expensive silver purse slipped from her fingers onto the hard ground.
The small pair of hair scissors fell out onto the patio stones with a sharp metallic clatter sound.
Every guest on the lawn saw the sharp tool lying right beside Victoria's high heel shoes clearly.
Richard: You lied to me about everything today, didn't you?
Victoria: Richard, darling, the child is confused after nearly drowning in the big pool!
Elena: She is not confused at all, Mr. Vance.
Elena stood up slowly while drying her dripping wet face with the edge of her soft white apron.
Elena: Your wife has been threatening this child ever since you signed your broad legal will last month.