Daniel hugged his mother tightly.
“I love you, Mom. Take care. I’ll bring you that silk scarf you liked from the magazine.”
“Go with God, my son,” Clara whispered, blessing him softly.
Daniel got into the black car, which rolled down the long driveway. Vanessa stood at the door, waving until the vehicle disappeared beyond the iron gates.
And then—
The change was terrifying.
Vanessa’s warm smile twisted into a look of pure disgust. She turned slowly toward Clara, her eyes suddenly cold, cruel.
“Well, he’s finally gone,” Vanessa snapped. “Listen carefully, you useless old woman. For the next three days, you’re not going to be cluttering up my living room or dirtying my rugs.”
“Vanessa, dear…” Clara began, stunned.
“Don’t call me that!” Vanessa shouted, stepping closer. “I’m not your daughter and never will be. I only tolerate you because Daniel has that ridiculous ‘good son’ obsession. But now he’s gone. You’ll stay in your room unless I say otherwise. And don’t bother asking the staff for anything—I gave them the day off. If you want water, get it yourself.”
Clara lowered her head, her throat tightening. She didn’t argue. She walked slowly back to her room, leaning against the wall for support, while Vanessa’s mocking laughter echoed behind her.
By noon, hunger gnawed at Clara’s stomach. She knew Vanessa was on the terrace, laughing with her friends over champagne. Carefully, Clara went to the kitchen, hoping only for a piece of bread and a glass of milk.
Her trembling hands slipped.
A crystal glass fell, shattering loudly against the imported porcelain floor.
Seconds later, Vanessa stormed in.
“What have you done?!” she shrieked. “You idiot! That glass set costs more than you earned in your entire miserable life!”
“I’m sorry, it slipped—I’ll clean it up,” Clara whispered, bending down.
“Don’t touch it!” Vanessa kicked Clara’s hand away. “You’re good for nothing! I’m sick of you—your smell, your presence, pretending I care!”
She grabbed Clara’s arm, her manicured nails digging into fragile skin, yanking her upright.
“I’ll teach you to respect my house!” Vanessa screamed, raising her hand.
Miles away, fate intervened.
Daniel, nearly at the airport, reached into his briefcase to review the merger contract.
It wasn’t there.
He’d left it on his desk.
“Turn around,” he ordered sharply. “Now.”
The car sped back. Daniel called Vanessa—no answer. “She’s probably in the garden,” he thought.