"Who's there?"
Mason froze.
For a moment, he considered answering.
Then he hurried upstairs.
His mother called his name.
He didn't stop.
He reached his bedroom, closed the door, and sat on the floor beside his bed.
His hands were shaking.
Now he understood something he'd been afraid to believe.
His mother wasn't merely punishing Lily.
She was trying to create evidence against Marcus.
And the little girl was being used as part of a plan she couldn't possibly understand.
Vanessa had been preparing to leave the marriage for weeks.
Her relationship with Marcus had deteriorated in ways she rarely acknowledged openly.
She resented his devotion to Lily, complained that his business received too much attention, and believed he controlled more financial resources than she could ever access independently.
At first, she'd hoped the marriage would provide lasting security.
But financial problems from her previous life continued following her.
A failed investment.
Outstanding personal debts.
And several expensive obligations she'd hidden before the wedding.
Marcus knew she had ordinary financial responsibilities.
He didn't know their full extent.
Vanessa feared that if she disclosed everything, he would begin asking questions about her judgment and the money she spent.
So she began exploring what she might receive if the marriage ended.
She contacted a private divorce-planning consultant recommended by an acquaintance.
The consultant wasn't a lawyer and couldn't make legal determinations, but advertised services involving financial organization and separation planning.
During their discussions, Vanessa described Marcus as wealthy, emotionally distant, and constantly traveling.
She claimed she was the primary caregiver for both children.
The consultant advised her to preserve records of her responsibilities and obtain proper legal advice before making decisions.
But Vanessa became fixated on one particular possibility.
If she could convince Marcus that his parenting might be questioned, she believed he would be willing to pay a large settlement to avoid a public dispute.
She began collecting selective photographs.
Screenshots of Marcus's travel schedule.
Messages showing he returned home late.
And videos of Lily crying.
In some of those videos, the little girl was genuinely distressed because Vanessa had denied her food or comfort.
But Vanessa intended to describe the distress as evidence that Marcus had neglected his daughter.