The grand mansion hall was filled with soft daylight, but the air inside was freezing cold.
Victoria stood near the marble entryway, her expensive green suit pressed to perfection.
Her dark eyes locked onto the small, trembling girl standing near the foyer.
The young child was dirty, her dress tattered and torn at the edges, her shoes worn thin.
Victoria: How did you get inside this house?
Lily: The front door was wide open, ma'am.
Victoria: Do not lie to me!
Victoria stepped forward, her hand moving in a swift, harsh motion.
A loud, sharp slap echoed across the marble walls.
The young girl stumbled back, her hand flying straight to her stinging cheek.
Tears immediately filled her eyes and began streaming down her face, trembling in total shock.
Lily: I was just looking for help...
Victoria: Look at what you are holding!
Victoria reached out and violently snatched a small leather wallet bag straight out of the girl's hands.
Victoria: YOU STOLE THIS BAG! GIVE IT BACK!
Lily: No, please! That's mine!
Victoria: You expect me to believe a dirty thief like you owns real leather?
Victoria unzipped the small leather pouch furiously, ready to pull out stolen cash or jewelry to call the police.
Her fingers caught on a small piece of thick paper tucked into the side pocket.
She pulled it out into the daylight.
It was an old, worn black-and-white photograph showing two young sisters standing side-by-side, holding hands and smiling.
Victoria stopped breathing.
The harsh anger on her face shattered instantly into sheer horror and panic.
Victoria: SAY THAT AGAIN... WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?
Lily: IT BELONGS TO MY SISTER!
Victoria covered her mouth in absolute disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes as the cruel truth hit her like a physical blow.
Victoria: MY LITTLE SISTER...
She dropped to her knees on the cold marble floor, realizing the devastating mistake she had just made.