The bright Texas sun streamed through the high windows of the Dallas luxury kitchen, casting a warm glow over the white marble counters and the pink party balloons floating in the background dining area[cite: 1].
Maya stood near the deep stainless steel sink, her hands dripping with dish soap as soapy water splashed against cold porcelain[cite: 1]. Tears tracked silently down her red cheeks while her ten-month-old son, Leo, slept peacefully in the cloth carrier strapped tightly to her back[cite: 1].
Liam: Why don't you help her at least hold the baby?!
Liam’s loud voice echoed through the high ceilings as he marched into the dining area in his blue blazer, his eyes burning with furious disbelief[cite: 1].
At the marble table, Victoria took a slow sip from her glass, tilting her head back with an arrogant, condescending smile[cite: 1].
Victoria: Why should I do that when I'm the one in charge of this house?
Liam: In charge? You are living under my father's roof because I permitted you to stay!
Victoria: Check the new legal filing, sweet boy. Your father's estate trust was updated last week while you were stuck on your business trip in London.
Maya: Liam... please don't yell. She told me she would take Leo away if I didn't finish cleaning before her party guests arrive.
Liam: She said what?! Take my son away from you?
Victoria: A mother who can't even afford her own apartment isn't fit to raise a Sterling heir. I merely pointed out reality.
Liam: You cut off her credit cards the moment my plane took off, didn't you?
Victoria: I protected family assets from a penniless outsider. Now let her finish washing my crystal before I lose my patience.
Liam stepped directly between the dining table and the sink, his hands clenched into tight fists as a dark secret slipped from Victoria's lipstick-stained lips.