One rainy afternoon, Richard returned home early from his downtown corporate office building.
He walked quietly through the marble hallway without making any loud noise at all.
He heard Victoria talking on her phone inside the study near the staircase.
Richard paused near the door because her tone sounded surprisingly harsh and sharp.
Victoria: I told you the legal paperwork is taking longer than expected!
Victoria: His late wife locked everything into a trust fund for that child!
Victoria: I cannot touch a single dollar until Richard changes the main will!
Richard felt a cold chill run down his spine as he listened carefully.
He stepped back into the shadow of the hallway to keep listening silently.
Victoria: If something happens to that girl, the whole estate comes to me!
Victoria: Just give me time to fix this situation before the bank calls!
Richard stood frozen in total disbelief at what his wife had just said.
His heart pounded hard against his chest as anger filled his entire mind.
He had trusted Victoria completely with his daughter's care and emotional wellbeing.
Now he realized her sweet smiles were completely fake and dangerous for Maya.
Richard decided not to confront Victoria immediately without hard evidence in hand.
He needed absolute proof before taking legal action to protect his young daughter.
He quietly walked back outside and entered through the front door like normal.
Victoria greeted him with her usual sweet smile near the marble foyer entry.
Victoria: Welcome home early, darling! How was your long meeting today?
Richard: It was fine, Victoria. Where is Maya resting right now?
Victoria: She is taking a long nap upstairs in her room, sweetie.
Richard hurried up the white staircase to check on his little girl immediately.
He opened Maya's bedroom door and saw her sitting quietly on the bed.
Maya looked up with wide frightened eyes as her father stepped into the room.
She held her pink teddy bear tightly against her chest without saying anything.
Richard: Maya, sweetheart, why are you sitting alone in the dark?
Maya: Stepmom said I must stay here until dinner time comes.
Richard: Did she yell at you today, my sweet little girl?
Maya: She said I am taking her money and bad things happen.
Tears welled up in Richard's eyes as he hugged his daughter close.
He swore right then that he would never let Victoria hurt her again.
He called his family lawyer, Mr. Vance, later that evening from his phone.
Richard: I need you to review my entire estate plan right away.
Mr. Vance: Is everything alright with your family at the house?
Richard: No, I believe my wife is targeting my daughter's trust fund.
Mr. Vance: Be very careful, Richard, until we have strong legal proof.
Richard knew he had to watch Victoria's every move from that moment on.