The quiet study was filled with warmth from the large stone fireplace inside.
Lily sat at the dark wooden desk holding her mother's silver music box.
Richard opened the heavy double doors and walked softly across the room.
He knelt beside his daughter's chair and gave her a warm comforting smile.
Richard: Are you feeling better now after all that scary noise outside?
Lily: Yes daddy, I am just glad the silver box is safe.
Richard: Nothing in this house will ever hurt you while I am here.
Lily: Why did Evelyn want to throw away my mommy's special things?
Richard placed his large hand gently over his daughter's small warm hand.
He knew it was finally time to explain the harsh truth about Evelyn.
Richard: Evelyn was only interested in our family wealth and private trust fund.
Lily: Does that mean she does not really love us at all?
Richard: Sometimes grown adults lose their way because of greed and money.
Lily: Will she have to leave our big house for good now?
Richard: Yes sweetie, she will be moving away permanently starting this evening.
The study door opened quietly as the family divorce lawyer walked into the room.
Attorney Mark Vance carried a thick black leather briefcase under his left arm.
He walked directly toward Richard with a very serious expression on his face.
Mark: I brought the complete financial records you requested earlier today, Richard.
Richard: Did you find evidence of unauthorized bank transfers from my account?
Mark: Yes, Evelyn moved large sums into a private off-shore account last week.
Lily looked back and forth between her father and the tall family lawyer.
Richard stood up from the floor and walked toward the large desk window.
Richard: How much money did she secretly try to steal from the trust?
Mark: Over two million dollars were transferred out without your formal approval.
Richard clenched his fists tightly as he stared out at the sprawling lawn.
Richard: That money was designated specifically for Lily's college inheritance fund.
Mark: The legal evidence is overwhelming and completely indisputable in court today.
Richard: We will freeze all those accounts before she leaves the property.
Mark pulled out a stack of white legal papers from his dark briefcase.
Mark: Sign these emergency court orders right here on the line, Richard.
Richard took the silver pen and signed his broad signature across each page.
Richard: Evelyn thought she was clever, but justice always comes around quickly.