The video file loaded quickly on the bright laptop screen in front of him.
Richard adjusted his glasses and clicked play on the morning timestamp file.
The camera angle showed the entire grand foyer from high above the front entry door.
At seven in the morning, Victoria walked calmly out of the master suite balcony.
She was holding her cell phone against her ear while pacing near the iron railing.
Richard turned up the audio volume on his desktop speakers to hear her words.
Victoria: The paperwork is ready, just make sure the judge signs it today.
Victoria: Once the girl is out of the picture, the whole trust fund is ours.
Richard gasped as he recognized the voice on the other end of the line.
It belonged to Marcus Vance, his former corporate chief financial officer whom he fired.
Marcus had been let go last year for trying to misappropriate company funds.
Victoria had met Marcus at a charity gala three months before she met Richard.
The video showed Victoria setting her phone down on the small side table nearby.
She then walked slowly down the hallway toward Lily's bright bedroom door.
She pulled Lily out by her hand, even though the little girl was resisting.
Victoria led her right to the balcony railing and lifted her over the sharp edge.
There was no slip, no loss of balance, and no sudden accident at all.
It was a cold, deliberate action meant to cause a terrible tragic fall.
Richard felt tears of pure horror and anger fill his eyes as he watched.
He saved the raw video file onto three separate external memory sticks immediately.
He forwarded a copy straight to Arthur's secure legal office email inbox.
A soft knock came at his study door, making him shut the laptop screen.
Maria pushed the door open gently and stepped into the dim home office.
Maria: Mr. Miller, Mrs. Victoria is packing her large suitcases upstairs right now.
Maria: She called a private car service to take her to the regional airport.
Richard: Thank you, Maria.
Richard: Keep Lily in her room and do not come out until I call you.
Richard grabbed the flash drive off his desk and put it into his pocket.
He adjusted his jacket, walked out into the corridor, and headed for the stairs.