Within two hours, Mark's trusted family lawyer named Arthur arrived at the house.
Arthur sat at the long polished mahogany table inside Mark's private library.
He spread out several official legal documents across the smooth dark wood surface.
Lily was resting quietly in her bedroom upstairs with the local nurse.
Arthur: I did a thorough background check on Victoria as you requested.
Mark: What did you find out about her past life, Arthur?
Arthur: She has attempted this exact legal strategy twice before in other states.
Mark leaned forward on his elbows and listened closely with growing outrage.
Victoria had targeted wealthy single fathers who had lost their wives recently.
She would get engaged quickly and attempt to gain control over trust funds.
She had already filed fake papers attempting to add her name to Mark's estate.
She wanted full power of attorney over Lily's inheritance fund if Mark died.
Mark: She was trying to strip my innocent daughter of her entire future!
Arthur: Yes, but her aggressive actions today have completely ruined her plan.
Arthur pulled out a thumb drive containing recorded security camera footage from today.
The high-definition cameras inside the hallway had captured the entire terrifying encounter.
The clear video showed Victoria snatching the locket and stepping back coldly.
It showed Mark diving heroically across the floor to catch his falling child.
Arthur: This video evidence is more than enough to put her in court.
Mark: I want her held fully accountable by the law for this cruelty.
Arthur: The police are already on their way to arrest her tonight.
Mark looked down at the broken silver locket sitting on the dark table.
He carefully picked up the small piece of metal with gentle hands.
He opened the delicate frame and saw his late wife smiling warmly back.
He knew he had protected the most precious gift his wife left behind.
A soft knock sounded on the library door as the rain poured outside.
Lily peeked her small head around the heavy wooden door into the room.
Lily: Daddy, is that mean lady ever coming back here again?
Mark: No, my sweet girl, she is gone forever from our lives.