Mark immediately dropped to his knees on the cold marble floor beside his daughter.
He pulled Lily out of Elena's arms and held her tightly against his chest.
Lily wrapped her small arms around her father's neck, weeping loudly into his shoulder.
Mark rubbed her back gently, whispering comforting words while glaring at Victoria across the room.
Mark: You are completely safe now my sweet baby girl.
Lily: She is always mean when you leave for work.
Mark: What did you just say Lily?
Lily: She yells at me every day you go away.
Elena: It has been going on for months Mr. Sterling.
Mark felt a cold chill run straight down his spine as the realization washed over him.
He looked at Elena, the faithful housekeeper who had worked for his family for years.
Elena had tears in her own eyes as she nodded her head to confirm the truth.
Elena: She threatened to fire me if I ever told you the truth about her behavior.
Victoria: She is lying to save her job Mark!
Mark: Silence! I believe every single word Elena says!
Victoria pressed her back hard against the kitchen counter, realizing her position was completely ruined.
The sweet facade she had carefully maintained for two years was utterly destroyed in minutes.
Mark stood up slowly, holding his small daughter securely in his left arm.
He walked over to the kitchen counter and picked up his smartphone with a firm grip.
Victoria watched him with wide, panic-stricken eyes as he dialed a number on the screen.
Victoria: Who are you calling right now Mark?
Mark: I am calling my legal team and the local police department.
Victoria: Please do not ruin our marriage over a simple misunderstanding!
Mark: Our marriage ended the moment you threatened my helpless daughter.