Chapter 3 - The Fabricated Truth
Grace’s breath hitched in her chest. She had spent her entire life trying to escape the shadow of her late father’s unfair conviction—a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time that had left her family broke and disgraced. She had done nothing wrong, yet the stigma had followed her like a dark ghost.
"My father was innocent, Miss Brooks," Grace said, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts. "And I have never hidden who I am. Mr. Brooks asked for my references, not my family history."
"He was too broken to ask," Victoria replied with a cold grin. "But tomorrow morning, the board meets, and right after that, I will present this file to Daniel. By noon, you will be thrown back into the gutter where you belong."
That night, Grace could barely sleep in her small room in the staff quarters. She looked at the wooden rabbit sitting on her nightstand and thought of little Lucy’s brightened eyes. She didn't care about the mansion or the wealthy lifestyle, but the thought of abandoning the heartbroken child tore her heart apart.
The next morning, Victoria made her move. She intercepted Daniel in his home office before he left for the corporate headquarters. She slammed the dossier onto his mahogany desk with triumphant flair.
"Look at it, Daniel! The girl you trust with your daughter is the offspring of a convicted thief. She targeted this family! She knew you were vulnerable, saw our wealth, and manipulated her way into Lucy’s heart!"
Daniel picked up the file, his expression unreadable as he flipped through the pages detailing Grace's difficult past and her father's conviction. Outside the office door, Grace stood silently, tears streaming down her face, preparing to pack her meager belongings and leave quietly.
Daniel closed the file slowly. He looked up at his sister, his gaze sharp and icy.
"Is this all you found, Victoria?" Daniel asked quietly.
"Is it not enough?!" Victoria demanded, baffled by his calm tone. "She lied by omission! She poses a threat to our family name!"
"She didn't lie about anything," Daniel said, standing up to his full height. "Grace told me about her father during her very first interview. She was honest from the second she walked through my gates. Unlike you, sister, who have spent the last nine months trying to undermine my authority and take my seat at the company while my daughter was fading away."
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Victoria gasped, her face flushing with anger. Daniel walked past her, opening the office door to find Grace standing there. He offered the young woman a rare, genuine smile.
"Ignore my sister, Grace," Daniel said firmly. "Your job is secure. In fact, starting today, you are no longer the maid. I am appointing you as Lucy’s full-time personal companion and guardian inside this house."
