Two local police officers arrived at the estate gates moments later.
Richard had called them earlier to enforce a formal trespass notice.
Officer: Ma'am, you need to step away from the property immediately.
Victoria: This is a misunderstanding between me and my wealthy husband!
Officer: Mr. Sterling has presented a valid court order restricting access.
Victoria stomped her designer high heels against the driveway pavement furiously.
She realized there was no escape from the legal net around her.
Victoria: Fine, I never wanted to live in this boring house anyway!
She climbed into the back of a waiting taxi cab and sped off.
Richard watched the red taillights vanish down the long winding driveway.
He took a deep breath of clean outdoor air and closed the gates.
He walked back into the warm light of the mansion foyer.
Martha was already sweeping up the loose papers on the upper balcony.
Martha: The house feels peaceful again for the first time in months.
Richard: Thank you for protecting Lily while I was at work today.
Martha: She is a sweet girl who deserves a safe and loving home.
Richard walked up the stairs to Lily's bright and cheery bedroom.
She was sitting by the window holding her mother's gold locket tightly.
Richard: Here, let me help you put that back around your neck.
Lily: Is she really gone forever now Daddy?
Richard: She is gone and she will never step foot here again.
Lily smiled softly as the golden chain clicked securely in place.
Lily: Can we play piano downstairs together now?
Richard: We can play as loud as you want sweet girl.
The sunlight shone brightly through the clean glass windows of the home.