Chapter 4: The House of Cards Collapses
The silence that followed was absolute, shattered only by the distant ticking of the grandfather clock. Victoria looked up, expecting the staff to come running at her command, to drag this "imposter" out by her hair.
But the double doors of the library swung open. Not to admit Victoria’s security, but the estate manager, the head housekeeper, and the board’s chief of operations. They didn't look at Victoria. They looked at Maya.
"Ma'am," the estate manager said, bowing his head slightly toward Maya. "The staff has been informed of the transfer. We are awaiting your orders."
Victoria spun around, her voice hysterical. "What are you doing? She’s a nobody! I am the Blackwood! Throw her out!"
No one moved. The estate manager’s face was a mask of cold professionalism. "The legal filings were completed an hour ago, Ms. Blackwood. The estate is under new management. Your key cards, your access to the accounts, and your tenure in this house have been terminated."
May you like
Victoria turned to Thorne, her last hope. "Aris, tell them! Tell them this is fraud! We’ll sue! We’ll destroy her!"
Thorne looked at his feet. "I helped you alter the previous drafts, Victoria. Maya has the original, unedited directives. She also has the correspondence where you discussed... diverting funds. I’m afraid I’ve already turned in my resignation. I won't be representing you."
