The document was irrefutable—a deed of ownership made out in Emily’s name. The villa, with its panoramic views and lush gardens, was hers and hers alone. Emily had inherited it from her late father, a successful entrepreneur who had always believed in safeguarding his daughter’s future. Richard, in his arrogance, had never bothered to look into the details, assuming his control extended to everything under this roof.
The silence was thunderous. Michael’s face shifted from anger to awe as he looked at his mother, a newfound respect shining in his eyes. Vanessa, on the other hand, seemed to shrink beside Richard, her confidence wilting like a flower in the sun’s harsh glare.
“You assumed wrong, Richard,” Emily said, her voice steady. “This villa, it’s been in my family for generations. And my father made sure it stayed that way. You don’t have any claim to it.”
