The morning sun rose bright over the grand estate, shining down on the white marble balcony and polished floors.
Richard sat in his office on the main floor, reviewing legal documents regarding his late wife's estate trust fund.
He was a successful businessman who loved his seven-year-old daughter Lily more than anything else in the entire world.
After losing his first wife three years ago, Richard thought he had found peace when he married Brenda.
Brenda was charming, beautiful, and always spoke softly whenever Richard was standing nearby in the room.
However, behind closed doors, Brenda held deep resentment toward little Lily and the massive family inheritance.
If Lily remained the primary beneficiary, Brenda would never gain full control over the family fortune.
Lily walked softly down the hallway, holding her small teddy bear tightly against her pink sweater.
She was a shy girl who still missed her mother very much every single day.
Lily: Stepmom Brenda, have you seen my drawing book anywhere today?
Brenda turned around slowly near the top of the grand staircase, glaring coldly down at the little girl.
Brenda: Do not call me that, you annoying little brat.
Lily took a small step backward, feeling her heart beat faster in fear.
Lily: I am sorry, I just wanted to paint in the garden.
Brenda: Nobody wants your silly paintings in this home.
Brenda stepped closer, her shadow falling completely over the small child.
Brenda: You think this house belongs to you, do you not?
Lily: My daddy said this will always be my home.
Brenda laughed softly, a bitter and cruel sound that filled the grand hallway.
Brenda: Your father is blind, but he will see the truth soon enough.
Richard turned the page of his contract inside his quiet office near the grand foyer entrance.
He heard the faint murmur of voices coming from the second floor balcony above.
At first, he thought Brenda was simply helping Lily get ready for her afternoon art class.
He smiled softly to himself, hoping his new wife was finally bonding with his young daughter.
Then he heard Brenda's tone change, becoming harsh and sharp against the high ceilings.
Richard set his pen down on the oak desk, feeling a strange sudden chill in his chest.
Brenda: You are just in the way of my future here.
Lily: Please stop looking at me like that, Brenda.
Brenda: Get out of my face right now, kid.
Brenda reached out and grabbed Lily's small arm firmly near the dangerous marble edge.
Lily gasped loudly as her feet slipped near the steep drop of the top staircase step.
Richard stood up from his leather chair immediately, his heart pounding wildly inside his chest.
He rushed toward his office door, pulling it open as fast as he could.