of our enemies paid for their betrayal.
David’s composure returned, and he grabbed Brenda’s hand.
“Elena,” he sneered, “alive or not, you’ve already lost. Your empire is nothing but a hollow shell. All the assets have been transferred. Your so–called fortune? Gone.”
The room went dead silent. Every pair of eyes flicked between Mom and me, waiting for her response like it was the climax of a movie.
Then, Mom and I burst into laughter at the same time.
Unbeknownst to David, Mom had already uncovered his attempts to transfer assets and coordinated with law enforcement to shut him down. Not only had he failed to secure the money, but he was now under investigation for major financial fraud.
David’s fantasy of ditching Mom and me to play house with Miranda and Brenda? Nothing but a pipe dream.
When realization hit, David shoved Brenda aside as he fumbled for his phone. Just as he began dialing, Mom’s calm voice cut through the tension.
“Calling your accountant? Don’t waste your time. She’s already turned herself in.”
David froze, his face draining of color.
I stepped forward, pulling a crisp paternity test report from my pocket.
“Oh, and by the way,” I said, “Brenda Bart won’t be becoming Brenda Sinclair after all. She’s not your biological daughter.”
David’s face darkened. He reached for the paper, but Brenda snatched it from my hand.
Her hands shook as she crumpled the document and stuffed it behind her back.
“Dad, don’t listen to her! I am your daughter!” she cried, desperation cracking her voice.” Mom said you two were together in secret and had me.
“You left her for your career, abandoned us, and she raised me alone until I was eight- waiting for you to give us a better life. You have to believe me!”
I couldn’t help but smirk at the act. With a flick of my wrist, I raised a second document.
“Sorry to burst your bubble, Brenda, but you’re not David’s daughter–or Miranda’s either.
11
Brenda glared at me, her rage boiling over. “Are you insane? Of course I’m daughter! Stop making up lies!”
my
mom’s
I chuckled, turning my gaze to the two figures lingering at the back of the room.
“Brenda’s curious about her origins. Why don’t the two of you clear things up for her?”
