The Key in the Vault

Mark: Shh, don't talk baby. Just breathe. Daddy has you now.

Lily: She took my medicine away first... then she locked the thick metal door.

Mark: Victoria took your asthma inhaler?

Lily: Yes. She said I was ruining your new marriage.

Mark felt a cold wave of pure rage wash over his entire body. He wrapped his coat tightly around Lily and carried her up the steep stone steps.

When he reached the top of the stairs, Elena was leaning against the wall, clutching her bruised arm where Victoria had shoved her.

Elena: Is she breathing? Is the little girl okay?

Mark: She's alive, Elena. Thank God you spoke up. Go call an ambulance right now.

Elena: I called them already! They are on their way!

Mark: Where is Victoria?

Elena: She went into the master study. She is packing a leather bag!

Mark carried Lily into the living room and placed her gently on the long leather sofa, making sure she was warm.

Mark: Stay right here, sweetie. Daddy will be right back.

Lily: Don't leave me, Daddy. She is mean.

Mark: Nobody is ever going to hurt you again. I promise you that on my life.

Mark walked toward the private study at the end of the grand hall. The polished wooden door was cracked open just a few inches.

Inside, Victoria was hurriedly emptying a small metal wall safe into a black leather designer tote bag.

Mark: What are you doing, Victoria?

Victoria: Oh! Mark... you startled me. How is the little girl? Is her little drama over now?

Mark: Drama? She almost died down there! She couldn't breathe!

Victoria: Don't be dramatic. Kids exaggerate all the time for attention.

Mark: You took her inhaler and locked her in a cold cellar!

Victoria: That maid is lying to you! I never went near that basement!

Mark: Lily told me everything. She told me you looked her in the eyes before you turned that key!

Victoria stopped loading cash into her bag and turned around slowly, a cold, sharp look replacing her soft expression.

Victoria: And who are you going to believe? A sickly seven-year-old child and a low-paid maid... or your legal wife?

Mark: I know my daughter doesn't lie. Why would you do something so evil?

Victoria: Because you spend all your money and time on her! Look at this mansion, Mark! Look at your family trust fund!

Mark: What does my family trust fund have to do with my daughter?

Victoria: The prenuptial agreement we signed last month! If something happens to your biological child, I become the sole beneficiary of your entire estate!