Chapter 1 - The Cane They Tried to TakeVictoria Harrington's fingers tightened around the polished wooden cane before Eleanor could react.
"Give it to me, you useless old woman!"
The words echoed through the grand entrance hall of Harrington Estate, where crystal chandeliers shimmered above marble floors and elegantly dressed guests froze in disbelief. Eleanor's trembling hands refused to let go, but she was no match for her younger daughter-in-law's strength. The wheelchair lurched backward as Victoria yanked harder, forcing frightened gasps from the crowd.
No one moved.
No one wanted to challenge the Harrington family.
Eleanor reached desperately toward the cane, her silver hair shaking as panic filled her eyes.
Then a blur of black and white crossed the room.
Isabella Moore, one of the estate's youngest housemaids, rushed between the guests. Ignoring every rule servants were expected to obey, she seized the cane from Victoria's hands before anyone understood what was happening.
Victoria turned with furious disbelief.
"How dare you touch me!"
The crack of Isabella's open-handed slap silenced the entire mansion.
Victoria staggered sideways, one hand covering her burning cheek.
Without striking again, Isabella stepped directly in front of Eleanor's wheelchair, clutching the recovered cane against her chest.
Her hands trembled.
Her breathing was uneven.
She knew she had probably just destroyed her career.
But she also knew she would do it again.
Victoria slowly lifted her head, hatred burning behind her expensive makeup.
"You've just ruined your life."
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Then heavy footsteps echoed from somewhere above.
Everyone looked toward the staircase.
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