Julian carried Lily over to the wide velvet sofa in the grand hall, sitting down beside her and placing the cold pack gently against her swollen cheek.
Julian: Does that feel better, baby?
Lily: It's cold, Daddy... but my cheek isn't burning as much.
Julian: Good. Drink a little water for me.
Lily took small sips from the glass Mary held out for her, her small hands still trembling.
Lily: Daddy... is the mean lady going to stay outside?
Julian: She is going away for a very long time, Lily. She will never come near you or this house ever again.
Victoria: Julian! Please! Talk to me for one minute in private!
Victoria stood near the double entrance doors, held firmly by two large estate security officers.
Victoria: I will get on my knees and apologize to the girl! I'll buy her whatever toys she wants!
Julian: My daughter doesn't want your fake apologies or your dirty money, Victoria.
Victoria: My father will destroy your corporate reputation in the media!
Julian: Your father's real estate firm is being investigated for tax fraud by federal auditors as we speak, Victoria.
Victoria froze, her green eyes widening in absolute shock.
Victoria: What... what did you say?
Julian: Did you think I agreed to meet with you today for a simple merger deal?
Victoria: You... you knew about the audit?
Julian: I initiated the audit three weeks ago when my legal team discovered your father was embezzling client funds.
Victoria: You set us up!
Julian: I uncovered corporate corruption. I was going to offer your family a quiet settlement out of respect for your late grandfather.
Julian stood up from the sofa, stepping slowly toward Victoria with cold, commanding authority.
Julian: But after what you did to my child today, any chance of a quiet settlement is completely gone.
Victoria: Julian, no! If you release those audit files, my father will go to federal prison!
Julian: Then he can share a prison building with his cruel daughter.
Two city police officers walked through the grand front doors, their heavy boots clicking against the white marble floor.
Officer Davis: Mr. Julian Vance?
Julian: Yes, Officer. Thank you for arriving so quickly.
Officer Davis: We received a dispatch call regarding felony child abuse and physical battery against a minor.
Julian: The suspect is standing right there in the champagne gold dress.