Victoria let out a sharp, mocking laugh that sounded completely forced. She paced around the grand foyer, her high heels clicking loudly, her maroon dress swirling around her ankles like a dark cloud.
Victoria: This is absurd! This is a scam! Arthur, you have completely lost your mind! This girl is a common thief who probably looked up your history to extort us for a massive settlement!
Arthur: Shut up, Victoria!
Arthur's shout echoed through the entire house, silencing his wife instantly. He had never raised his voice at her in their twenty years of marriage. He turned back to Elena, who was now staring at him with wide, terrified eyes, trying to process the words she had just heard.
Elena: Sir... no. That can't be true. My mother told me my father died in a car accident before I was born.
Arthur: Because that is what my father made her believe, or what she had to tell you to protect you. Clara would never lie unless she had to. She was the most honest person I ever knew.
Arthur reached out a hand to help Elena up from the floor. Elena hesitated for a second, looking at his manicured hand, then slowly took it. He pulled her up gently, his grip firm and warm. He didn't let go of her hand even when she was standing.
Arthur: Look at your hands, Elena. Look at your thumbs. You have the exact same unique shape that runs in my family. It is the signature trait of the entire estate line.
Elena looked down at their hands joined together. It was true. Her thumbs had a slight, distinct curve, the exact same shape as Arthur's. She had always wondered why her hands looked so different from her mother's.
Victoria: A thumb shape? Are you serious, Arthur? Any divorce lawyer or court would laugh this out of the room! We are talking about the family business, your entire fortune, our wealth! You cannot just declare a maid to be your legal heir because of a thumb and an old photograph!
Arthur: I don't care about the lawyers right now, Victoria. I care about the truth.
Victoria: Think about our reputation! Think about the charity gala next week! What will people say when they find out you are welcoming a street rat into our penthouse life?
Arthur: She is not a street rat. She is my blood.
Arthur looked at Elena, his eyes full of pain. He could see the faint red mark on her cheek where Victoria had slapped her. A deep wave of anger and shame washed over him. He had allowed his wife to treat his own daughter like garbage in his own home.
Arthur: Did she strike you, Elena?
Elena looked over at Victoria, who was glaring at her with a look of pure, murderous hatred. The threat in Victoria's eyes was clear: say a word, and your life is over.
Elena: I... I don't want any trouble, sir. I just want my photo and my money so I can leave. I will pack my bags right now.
Arthur: You are not going anywhere. This is your home now.
Victoria: Over my dead body! She will not sleep under the same roof as me! If she stays, I am calling my father's legal team, and we will start the foreclosure on the mountain estate you love so much!
Arthur turned to his wife, his face hardening into absolute stone. The guilt was gone, replaced by a cold, sharp determination that made Victoria step back.
Arthur: Call them. Call every single lawyer you know, Victoria. Let's see what happens when the media finds out why you are trying to hide my biological daughter.