The afternoon sun spilled across the marble floor of the grand Dallas mansion.
Mark walked through the hallway while checking his silver watch.
He was a successful business owner who built his empire from nothing.
His sweet eight-year-old daughter Lily was playing upstairs in her bedroom.
Since his first wife passed away, Mark lived only for Lily.
Then he met Victoria six months ago at a corporate charity gala.
Victoria was elegant, sharp, and wore expensive blue designer gowns everywhere.
She seemed like the perfect companion for a wealthy widower like Mark.
However, behind her polished smile hid a very dark motive.
Victoria was deeply in debt and needed Mark's millions to survive.
She wanted to secure her spot as the primary heir to his vast estate.
The only hurdle in her selfish path was little Lily.
Mark heard raised voices coming from the grand staircase near the balcony.
He stopped in his tracks near the heavy oak doors of his private office.
His heart beat faster as he recognized his daughter's frightened voice.
Victoria was arguing with the small child near the dangerous second-floor ledge.
Mark dropped his leather briefcase onto the polished marble floor immediately.
He began running toward the stairs with pure fear in his chest.