Chapter 2 - THE THREAT The dining room suddenly felt smaller.
Elena lifted Maya from the high chair and held her against her chest.
"You have no right to talk about my daughter like that."
Victoria rose slowly.
"As the woman who manages this household, I have every right."
Elena stared at her.
"You don't manage this family."
Victoria's jaw tightened.
"I manage the financial structure that keeps this family wealthy."
"And that's all you care about."
For one second, neither woman moved.
Then Victoria reached toward the baby's food bowl.
Elena frowned.
"Victoria—"
Victoria swept her arm across the table.
The glass bowl crashed onto the marble floor.
Maya screamed.
Elena instinctively turned her body, shielding her daughter.
"What is wrong with you?"
Victoria stepped forward.
"I am protecting this family from people who came here for money."
"You think I married into this family for money?"
"I think your daughter is the biggest financial threat Arthur has ever created."
Elena's face went pale.
Maya buried her face against her mother's shoulder.
Victoria lowered her voice.
"Sign the custody waiver."
Elena stared at her.
"No."
"You have until tomorrow night."
"You can't force me."
Victoria smiled.
It wasn't a warm smile.
It was the smile of someone who believed she already held the winning card.
"If you refuse, I'll make sure Arthur removes you and that child from this house."
"You won't."
"Arthur trusts me."
Victoria stepped closer.
"He sees what I put in front of him."
Elena's heart pounded.
For the first time, she understood how dangerous Victoria truly was.
This wasn't simply a family argument.
Victoria had access to Arthur's legal documents, financial reports, corporate accounts, and attorneys.
If she could manipulate the old patriarch's trust, she could destroy Elena's family without ever raising her voice.
Then—
May you like
The heavy double doors at the end of the room began to open.
Neither woman noticed.
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