Chapter 7 - Eleanor’s Final Performance
When the authorities arrived, Daniel stopped pretending to be offended and began pretending to be sorry.
He claimed Victor Hale had created the documents. He said Eleanor had pressured him. He insisted he had never intended to submit the forged power of attorney.
The evidence contradicted him.
Messages recovered from his phone showed weeks of planning.
In one message, Daniel had written, Once Maya signs, Ardenmere belongs to us in everything but name.
In another, Eleanor had replied, She is desperate to keep the marriage. Use that.
Maya read the messages only once.
Daniel was escorted to a private office for questioning.
Eleanor remained outside the gates until sunset, demanding to see her son. When Maya finally allowed her into the outer reception building, Eleanor entered as though she owned the resort.
She ignored Sofia and pointed at Maya.
“You have destroyed my family.”
Maya sat near the fireplace.
“No. I stopped your family from destroying mine.”
“You deceived Daniel from the beginning.”
“My finances were private. My loyalty was not.”
“You married beneath your position and then punished him for failing your secret test.”
“There was no test.”
“Of course there was. Wealthy women always create tests because they think everyone wants their money.”
Maya studied her.
“You did want my money.”
Eleanor’s face changed.
Only for a second, but Maya saw it.
Then Eleanor began crying.
It was a polished performance. Her shoulders trembled. Her voice softened. She spoke of Daniel’s father, the company’s debts, and the employees who would lose their jobs.
“Daniel was frightened,” she said. “Fear makes people desperate.”
“He forged my signature.”
“He intended to tell you.”
“After the transfer?”
Eleanor moved closer.
“You can save him. Withdraw the complaint. Give the company the renovation contract. Let us sell a small portion of the land to Victor Hale. No one needs to know.”
Maya stared at her.
Even now, Eleanor believed the only problem was that the plan had failed.
“You poured no wine on me today,” Maya said.
Eleanor looked confused.
“The server dropped it.”
“You pushed my hand away when I tried to help you. Then you laughed when the wine covered my dress.”
“That was an unfortunate accident.”
“No. It was the clearest moment of my marriage.”
Eleanor’s tears stopped.
Maya continued.
“You believed I had no money, no family, and nowhere to go. That was when you showed me exactly how you treat someone who cannot benefit you.”
Eleanor’s mouth tightened.
Maya stood.
“I will not withdraw the complaint. Vale Architectural Group will never receive a contract from any Arden property. Your accounts will be investigated, and every employee who lost wages because of your family’s decisions will receive legal support.”
“You vindictive little girl.”
“No,” Maya said. “A vindictive person would destroy your home because you tried to take mine. I am only protecting what belongs to me.”
Security opened the door.
Eleanor did not move.
“You’ll regret humiliating us.”
Maya looked toward the dark windows, where the gates were visible in the distance.
“I regret allowing you to humiliate me for so long.”
Eleanor was escorted outside.
May you like
This time, no luxury sedan waited for her.
The leasing company had already reclaimed it.
