Chapter 3
The grand foyer of the mansion was a masterpiece of architectural grandeur. A sweeping marble staircase curved down from the second floor, lined with wrought-iron railings and golden floral garlands. Beneath the massive crystal chandelier, small tables draped in white silk held champagne flutes, though the main body of guests was still gathering in the courtyard. The space was bright, illuminated by warm, opulent light that reflected off the mirror-polished marble floors.
Lily ran out onto the upper landing, her pale-yellow dress catching the light, her golden curls bouncing wildly. She looked down the empty expanse of the staircase, her chest heaving, tears blurring her vision. She clutched the pink floral handbag with both hands, her tiny fingers locked over the gold clasp.
Behind her, the sharp, deliberate clack-clack-clack of high heels echoed down the hallway.
Victoria emerged from the corridor, her white satin gown flowing behind her like a shroud. Her face was no longer that of a blushing bride; it was twisted with an aggressive, terrifying fury. She didn't care if the staff saw her. She didn't care if the catering crew in the dining room heard her. The sheer terror of what might be inside that little floral purse was driving her past the point of reason.
"Stop right there, you little brat!" Victoria hissed, closing the distance with terrifying speed.
Lily turned around, backing up against the top of the marble staircase. "Please, Victoria! It's mine!"
Victoria grabbed the child by her delicate shoulder, her long nails digging into the soft fabric of the yellow princess gown. She didn't just try to take the bag; she physically shoved the five-year-old toward the grand staircase, pointing aggressively toward the front exit doors below.
"THIS IS MY HOUSE NOW! GET OUT!" Victoria shouted furiously, her face contorted in unbridled hatred, her voice echoing violently off the high marble walls.
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The cruelty of the scream shattered the quiet elegance of the mansion. Victoria’s manicured hand gripped the child's small arm, her eyes wild, her elaborate updo slightly disheveled from her sudden, explosive rage. She was trying to scare the child into dropping the purse, trying to drive her away from the center of the house before Daniel could descend from his study.
"You don't belong here!" Victoria snarled, leaning down into the terrified girl's face. "Your mother is dead, and you are nothing but a nuisance! Give me the bag or I will have security throw you onto the street!"
