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Chapter 4 - The Unraveling Lie

Gabe quickly pulled up the footage on a tablet and handed it to Lorenzo. The video revealed the truth: Aunt Beatrice had deliberately placed the open purse into the toddler's path, coaxing the confused child to carry it toward the hallway just as security walked by. Beatrice had planned to frame the new maid to create chaos, prove Lorenzo's security was incompetent, and demand control over the estate's management.

Lorenzo’s eyes hardened into ice. He turned to Beatrice, who was standing at the top of the stairs, her face draining of color.

"You framed a hungry child to play power games in my home?" Lorenzo said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

"Lorenzo, darling, it was just a test—" Beatrice stammered, backing away.

"Get out," Lorenzo commanded calmly. "You have one hour to pack your things and leave Chicago permanently. If I ever see your face again, not even your late husband's name will save you."

Beatrice scrambled upstairs in terror. Lorenzo then turned his attention back to the floor, where Elena was still holding the crying toddler, expecting the absolute worst.

Lorenzo knelt back down in front of the little girl. He gently picked up the stuffed bunny that had dropped to the marble floor and handed it back to Sophie.

"What is your name, little one?" Lorenzo asked softly.

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"Sophie," the child whimpered, wiping her nose with her sleeve.

"Well, Sophie," Lorenzo said smoothly, "nobody is taking anything from you or your mother ever again."

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