Later that afternoon, Clara sat near the large window in Ethan's bright playroom.
The boy was sitting peacefully on the carpet while drawing pictures with colored pencils.
He drew a picture of a house with three small figures standing together outside.
Clara smiled warmly at his drawing while folding his clean laundry into wooden bins.
Clara: That is a very beautiful family picture, Ethan.
Ethan pointed his tiny finger at the middle figure in the paper drawing.
Ethan: That's you, Clara.
Clara felt her heart swell with deep emotion at his sweet words.
She had lost her own little brother to an illness years ago in college.
Working with children was not just a job for her but a personal calling.
The playroom door opened quietly and Marcus stepped into the bright room.
He held a thick folder of financial documents under his left arm.
Marcus: Ethan, would you like to go look at the garden pool?
The boy nodded happily, grabbed his small jacket, and ran out the door.
Marcus walked over to Clara and looked down at his son's colorful drawing.
Marcus: Victoria wants me to send Ethan to a private boarding school.
Clara turned around quickly with a look of total shock on her face.
Clara: He is far too young for a place like that!
Marcus: She claims it is the best solution for his behavioral issues.
Clara: He does not have behavioral issues, Mr. Vance.
Marcus stepped closer and leaned against the wooden edge of the play desk.
Clara: He is grieving the loss of his mother and needs love.
Marcus: Victoria says it will help clear up the family trust structure faster.
Clara frowned as a terrible suspicion began to grow inside her mind.
She knew Victoria had been managing the estate funds alongside the legal team.
Clara: Does Victoria benefit financially if Ethan is declared unstable or sent away?
Marcus stared at Clara as if the thought had never crossed his mind.
Marcus: The custody clause in my late wife's will is very specific.
Clara: Specific in what way, sir?
Marcus: If Ethan requires specialized institutional care, his trust control shifts entirely.
Clara gasped softly as the full picture became terribly clear to her.
Clara: Victoria is trying to push him away to control the fortune.
Marcus shook his head in denial, trying to process the painful accusation.
Marcus: She has been my business partner for over three years now.
Clara: Please look into the legal documents yourself before signing anything.
Marcus looked down at the thick folder in his hand with growing doubt.
The sound of whispering voices outside in the hallway caught their sudden attention.
Clara stepped toward the door to see who was standing near the office.
p>She caught sight of Victoria speaking urgently into her phone down the hall.