CHAPTER 3 — THE WOMAN WHO THOUGHT SHE COULD STEAL AN EMPIRE
"You've misunderstood everything," the stepmother pleaded.
"I was teaching her discipline."
The billionaire slowly turned toward her.
"You call this discipline?"
He pointed toward the bruises.
"The cameras call it abuse."
She tried another lie.
"She's manipulating you."
His answer was immediate.
"My daughter has never needed to manipulate anyone."
"You did."
He ordered the family attorney into the room.
"Effective immediately..."
"My wife is removed from every company board."
"Freeze every bank account under her control."
"Cancel every power of attorney."
"And notify the police."
For the first time in years...
The woman who ruled the mansion realized she owned absolutely nothing.
The luxury cars?
His.
The jewelry?
Purchased through company accounts.
The mansion?
Held in a family trust.
Even the designer clothes filling her closets belonged to an estate account she could no longer access.
She screamed.
Threatened.
Begged.
No one moved.
As officers escorted her toward the front door, she turned to the little girl.
"This is your fault!"
Before anyone else could react...
The billionaire stepped between them.
"If you ever come near my daughter again..."
"You won't have to worry about losing money."
"You'll be worrying about losing your freedom."
The front door closed behind her.
For the first time since his remarriage...
The mansion felt peaceful.
That night, father and daughter ate dinner together in the kitchen.
No servants.
No crystal glasses.
No grand dining hall.
Just grilled cheese sandwiches.
Tomato soup.
And a promise.
"I'm never leaving you alone again."
May you like
She smiled.
It was the first real smile anyone in the house had seen in almost a year.
