Chapter 1 - Again

The little girl had almost dried the last crescent of water when Vivian Mercer tipped another glass beside her knees.

"Again."

Three-year-old Lily stared at the new puddle spreading across the marble. A vegetable scrub brush trembled in her wet fingers.

Around her, nearly sixty guests stood beneath chandeliers and white roses, suddenly fascinated by their drinks.

"Go on," Vivian said.

Lily's knees were pink from the stone. Her blue party dress was soaked at the hem.

"Daddy," she whispered.

Grant Mercer stood beside two investors with bourbon in his hand.

He heard her.

"Finish what you started."

Lily's face crumpled.

"Daddy!"

Her cry cut through the music.

Then the front doors opened.

Sylvester Stallone entered with two security men and stopped.

He saw the child.

The brush.

Vivian standing above her.

Lily tried to rise.

Vivian pressed a hand onto her shoulder.

"You're not finished."

Stallone started walking.

Grant hurried toward him, smiling.

"Sly, good to see you."

Stallone passed him.

He crouched beside Lily.

"You can give me that."

Lily clutched the brush.

Vivian laughed. "She made the mess."

Stallone waited until Lily finally let go. He set the brush aside and offered his hand.

She looked toward Grant before standing.

That tiny movement changed the room.

She needed permission.

Grant's face went pale.

"Lily. Get up."

She stood on shaking legs.

Vivian folded her arms. "This is being completely misunderstood."

"She spilled water. I wasn't hurting her."

Lily moved behind Stallone's leg.

Vivian reached for her.

He stepped sideways.

"Don't."

"This is my family."

"Then act like it."

Vivian shoved his shoulder.

Grant said, "Vivian--"

She slapped Stallone.

He caught her wrist before she could swing again and pushed her hand down.

"No."

Grant charged.

One security man intercepted him. Grant crashed beside a display table, sending crystal glasses to the floor.

Guests screamed.

And Lily, hiding behind Stallone, whispered something only the nearest people heard.

"Please don't let Daddy put me downstairs again."

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Grant stopped struggling.

Because nobody had mentioned a downstairs room.