Chapter 2 - The Penthouse Sanctuary
The private elevator doors slid open to the top floor of the Beaumont Tower.
Arthur led Maya into a sprawling penthouse that looked untouched by time.
"This was your mother's suite," Arthur said, wiping a stray tear from his wrinkled cheek.
Maya looked around the room, her eyes drawn to a large oil painting above the fireplace.
The woman in the painting had the exact same eyes as her, and the exact same smile.
"I grew up in an orphanage," Maya said softly, tracing the edge of a velvet sofa.
"They told me I was abandoned on the steps of a hospital with no name."
Arthur covered his face with his hands and sobbed quietly.
"I searched for you every single day," he confessed, his voice breaking.
"The police told me you perished in the nursery, but I never gave up hope."
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors swung open, and Cassandra stormed into the room.
"This is a scam!" Cassandra screamed, pointing a perfectly manicured finger at Maya.
"She probably tattooed that birthmark just to get to your money, Arthur!"
Maya flinched, pulling Arthur's jacket tighter around her fragile frame.
"Cassandra, you are my late brother's wife, and I gave you a home here," Arthur warned, his tone dangerously low.
"But if you disrespect the true heir to this empire one more time, you will be thrown out on the street."
Cassandra gritted her teeth, her eyes burning with pure hatred.
She knew she couldn't win this fight right now.
"Fine," Cassandra sneered, backing away toward the door.
"But I demand a DNA test before you hand over the keys to the kingdom."
Arthur nodded confidently.
May you like
"Call the family doctor," Arthur replied.
"We will do it tonight."
