Serena backed away slowly as Victor walked toward her with cold anger in his eyes.
The bright daylight streaming through the arched windows highlighted her pale, frightened face.
The elegant beige gown that looked so glamorous minutes ago now seemed utterly hollow.
Victor: Why would you treat a three year old child with such cruelty?
Serena: I was stressed! Managing this huge estate is overwhelming!
Victor: Do not use stress as an excuse for abuse, Serena.
Clara: Sir, she wanted Ethan sent away to boarding school next month.
Victor turned his gaze toward Clara with a look of deep surprise and concern.
Victor: Is that true, Clara? Did she say that to you?
Clara: Yes, sir. She told me last week that Ethan was in her way.
Serena: Shut your mouth, you foolish maid!
Victor: Let her speak, Serena! Do not interrupt her again!
Clara: She said once you signed the prenup, Ethan would be sent away.
Victor took a deep breath as the terrible truth began to unfold in his mind.
He remembered the legal documents his estate attorney had prepared just two weeks earlier.
Under the terms of his late wife's will, Ethan was the primary heir to the trust fund.
If Ethan remained in Victor's custody, the vast family inheritance was completely protected.
But if Ethan was declared troubled or sent away, Serena could gain control of the estate assets.
Victor: You were after the trust fund money all along, weren't you?
Serena: That is an absolute lie! I love you, Victor!
Victor: You loved the mansion, the luxury cars, and the family wealth.
Serena: How can you accuse me of such horrible things?
Victor: Because the evidence is sitting right here in my hand.
Victor held up the tablet screen showing Serena grabbing the young boy forcefully.
Serena's eyes darted frantically around the room as if searching for an escape route.
She realized that her carefully constructed plan was falling apart piece by piece.
Serena: Victor, we can talk about this in private upstairs!
Victor: There is nothing left for us to discuss in private.
Clara: She also tried to fire me yesterday when I questioned her rules.
Victor: You are not firing anyone in this house, Serena.
Serena: I am your fiancee! I have authority in this house!
Victor: As of this exact second, you have no authority whatsoever.
Victor pulled his cell phone from his pocket and pressed a direct speed dial button.
Victor: Hello, counsel? Cancel the prenuptial agreement immediately.