The midday Texas heat shimmered over the limestone patio, reflecting blinding light across eight feet of deep turquoise water.
Six-year-old Lily backed toward the slick edge in her soaked pink sneakers, trembling as she clutched a wet plush rabbit against her chest.
Standing inches away in a shimmering teal gown was Victoria, her lips curled into a cold, vicious sneer.
Victoria: Step back a little more, Lily.
Lily: No, please! My daddy told me to wait right here by the patio table!
Victoria: Your daddy is inside signing our family merger papers, you little pest.
Lily: Don't push me!
Victoria: Nobody is pushing you, darling. You're just clumsy.
Victoria's hands shoved hard against the girl's small chest, sending her splashing violently into eight feet of deep water.
Nadia dropped her cleaning tray on the flagstones and screamed in horror.
Nadia: Lily! Hold on!
Victoria: Be quiet, maid! Don't you dare jump in!
The girl's head bobbed under the churned water, her tiny hands flailing in panic as she fought for air.
Heavy leather dress shoes pounded across the marble floor inside the open French doors.
Chris Sterling charged through the entrance in his tailored grey suit, his eyes wide with wild terror.
He dove to his knees at the edge, thrusting both arms deep into the chlorine.
He pulled his gasping, shivering child up against his chest, wrapping his coat around her soaked frame.
Lily: Daddy! Daddy!
Chris: I have you, baby! Breathe! Daddy has you!
Victoria: Chris, she slipped, I reached out!
Chris: You reached out?!
Victoria: I tried to grab her collar! She was running near the deep end!
Chris looked down at his daughter's pale face, his jaw locking into a fury so dark his vision blurred.
Chris: You tried to kill my daughter for a house you will never own!
His hand whipped through the air, striking Victoria across the cheek with an explosive slap.
Chris: Get out of my house and out of my life forever!
Victoria fell against the lounge chairs, unaware that the safe in Chris's office had already unsealed her dark secret.