Evelyn: Sit back down and wipe your face like a good little girl, Maya.
Maya: You really think you can treat me like this and get away with it?
Evelyn: I can do whatever I want in my own house, to my son’s gold-digger wife.
Julian: Just take the joke, Maya. You’re making a scene in front of the board members.
Maya grabbed a cloth napkin from the table and slowly wiped the thick dressing away from her eyes[cite: 1]. Her fingers were shaking, but not from fear—from pure rage[cite: 1]. She looked around the long dining table[cite: 1]. Everyone was staring, some in shock, others smirking into their wine glasses.
Maya: A joke? You think shoving my head into food is a joke, Julian?
Julian: You don't bring anything to this family estate, Maya. You don't have an inheritance, you don't have connections, and you act like you're better than us.
Evelyn: Exactly. My son owns this entire mansion, the company, and every asset you touch. You have nothing.
Maya: Is that what you told him, Evelyn? That I have nothing?
Evelyn: It is a fact. You came from nothing, and when Julian divorces you, you will leave with nothing. There is no prenup settlement that will save you.
Maya slowly placed the dirty napkin onto the white tablecloth[cite: 1]. She stood up abruptly from the dining table, her posture straight, eyes glaring in pure rage directly at Evelyn[cite: 1]. A heavy breath exhaled from her lungs as the whole room grew deadly quiet[cite: 1].
Julian: Sit down right now, Maya! Don't you dare embarrass me!
Maya: I am done sitting down for you, Julian. And I am done listening to your mother.
Evelyn: Look at you, standing there covered in sauce, trying to act strong. You look pathetic.
Maya: What is pathetic is how blind you both are. You think you own this estate?
Julian: My father left it to us! Everyone knows the Vance family controls the entire corporate trust!
Maya: Your father died three months ago, Julian. And you never even bothered to read the final will revisions, did you?
Julian froze, his jaw dropping in absolute shock as his laughter completely died out[cite: 1]. He blinked, looking at Maya like he was seeing a stranger[cite: 1].
Julian: What are you talking about?
Evelyn: She is bluffing, Julian! Ignore her! She is just trying to save face after being put in her place!
Maya: Am I bluffing, Evelyn? Ask your corporate lawyer sitting right at the end of the table.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward Mr. Sterling, the senior attorney for the Vance family estate, who was sitting quietly in a black tuxedo[cite: 1]. Mr. Sterling took a slow sip of water and set his glass down on the table, refusing to make eye contact with Evelyn.
Evelyn: Sterling, tell her to shut up and leave my house!
Mr. Sterling: I am afraid she doesn't have to leave, Evelyn.
Julian: What do you mean she doesn't have to leave?! This is my father's house!
Mr. Sterling: Actually, Julian... your father made a major change to his estate and trust fund four days before he passed away.
Maya: Tell them, Mr. Sterling. Tell them who actually owns this house.