Late that evening, a strong wind began to blow outside the tall glass windows.
Dark rain clouds rolled over the sky, bringing a sudden heavy autumn rainstorm.
Victoria sat at the grand dining table, enjoying a steak cooked by herself earlier.
She had locked the kitchen cupboards so Lily could not get any real food.
Lily sat on the cold floor in the corner, holding a tiny piece of dry bread.
She broke the small crust into tiny pieces and fed them gently to Leo.
Lily: Eat this, sweetie, it will help your tummy feel a little better.
Leo chewed slowly, his big brown eyes filled with deep tiredness and confusion.
Suddenly, the bright headlights of a heavy car flashed through the front windows.
The tires crunched loudly on the gravel driveway right outside the grand front entrance.
Victoria froze in her chair, her eyes widening in sudden surprise and faint panic.
Arthur was not supposed to return from his international business trip until next week.
She quickly jumped up from the table and smoothed down her green gown.
Victoria: Get into the kitchen right now, both of you!
Lily did not move fast enough because her small legs were stiff and sore.
Victoria grabbed Lily's upper arm roughly, trying to drag her into the back hall.
Before she could hide the children away, the massive double doors burst open.
The heavy doors slammed back against the wall with a loud, shocking wooden bang.
Arthur Sterling stepped inside the grand foyer, holding a dark leather travel bag.
Two personal security guards followed closely behind him, shaking water off their coats.
Arthur stopped in his tracks, his sharp eyes taking in the entire awful scene instantly.
He saw Lily's bare feet, her filthy dress, and the pale face of baby Leo.
He saw Victoria holding Lily's arm with a tight and angry grip.
Arthur: What on earth is going on here right now?
His loud voice echoed through the tall grand hall like a sudden thunderclap.
Victoria let go of Lily's arm immediately, stepping back with a fake sweet smile.
Victoria: Arthur, my love, you came home so early from your trip!
Victoria: I was just playing a funny little game with the kids before bedtime.
Lily looked at her father, her small chest heaving with heavy, trembling breaths.
She knew this was her only chance to save herself and her tiny brother.
She stepped forward, pointing her small shaking finger directly toward Victoria's face.
Lily: Daddy, she is lying to you!
Lily: She made us work all day and wanted us to starve in the dark!
The entire hall went completely silent as the shocking words hung in the air.