Mark led Lily out of the master bathroom into the bright hallway.
He guided her gently toward the living room soft leather sofa.
Lily sat down quietly, holding a soft cotton blanket around herself.
Mark retrieved a glass of fresh water from the quiet kitchen nearby.
He handed the glass to Lily with a comforting warm smile.
Mark: Take a deep breath, Lily, you are completely safe now.
Lily: Is she going to leave our house now, Daddy?
Mark: I am going to handle everything right away, I promise you.
Mark walked into his private home office across the large foyer.
He opened his heavy oak desk drawer to search for his legal files.
He pulled out the blue folder containing his mother's legal estate records.
The original will clearly stated that Lily inherited the Dallas home entirely.
Victoria had joined the family only two short years ago after meeting Mark.
She had always expressed interest in the property valuation and estate funds.
Mark looked out his office window at the manicured front lawn.
He realized he had ignored subtle warnings over the past few months.
Victoria had frequently asked about changing the property deed into her name.
She claimed it was necessary for tax planning and mortgage management purposes.
Mark heard quick footsteps approaching down the hard hallway floor outside.
Victoria stepped into the office wearing a dry wool sweater now.
Her dark hair was still damp from the bathtub fall earlier.
Victoria: Mark, we need to talk about this before you make mistakes.
Mark: The only mistake here was trusting you near my daughter.
Victoria: That paper was void anyway, it held no legal standing anymore!
Mark: Then why were you trying to destroy it with a lighter?
Victoria remained silent as she pulled her collar tight around her neck.
She looked around the luxury office, seeking a reasonable excuse to offer.
Victoria: I was worried about our future financial stability in this city.
Mark: This estate belongs to Lily, as my mother intended from the start.
Mark pulled out his cell phone from his suit coat pocket.
He dialed his corporate divorce attorney's direct office phone number immediately.
Victoria's eyes widened when she heard the ring tone through the speaker.
Victoria: Do not call the lawyers yet, Mark, please let us talk!
Mark: Arthur, I need you at my house with emergency paperwork today.
He ended the brief phone call and placed his phone on the desk.
Victoria took a step back, realizing the situation was completely out of control.
Victoria: You cannot just throw me out of this house like this!
Mark: Watch me protect my daughter and our family legacy today.
The tension in the office was thick enough to break completely.
Mark stood firm behind his desk, waiting for his attorney to arrive.