Chapter 6
Ethan stood in the hallway, his mind racing as he evaluated his extremely limited options.
If he fought the police officers, he would end up in a jail cell, leaving Lily completely defenseless in Victoria's hands.
If he surrendered Lily now, Victoria would place her in a private facility before the courts opened on Monday morning.
"Daddy?" Lily's small voice called out from the living room as she walked toward the open front door.
She stopped in her tracks, her wide brown eyes filled with terror as she saw the uniformed officers standing in the doorway.
Ethan dropped down to his knees, taking a deep breath to stabilize the quivering in his voice.
"Lily, listen to me very carefully," Ethan said, framing her pale face in his warm hands.
"I need you to go with this lady for a little while, but I promise you on my life that I will come get you tomorrow."
"No! Daddy, please don't leave me!" Lily sobbed, clinging tightly to the lapels of his navy tuxedo.
Tears streamed down Ethan's face as he gently unclasped her small fingers from his suit jacket.
"You are strong, Lily," Ethan whispered, pressing a firm kiss against her forehead.
"Remember what I told you: no matter where you are, I am always fighting for you."
Ms. Davis stepped inside the entryway, taking Lily's small hand into hers with a practiced, neutral grip.
Victoria smiled faintly from the hallway, tucking her dark hair behind her ear as the officers escorted Lily toward the elevator.
Ethan watched the elevator doors close, feeling a piece of his soul ripped out of his chest.
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The moment the hallway was empty, Ethan turned back into his apartment and slammed the door shut with brutal force.
He was done playing by the rules of New York high society.
