Hannah stepped right back in front of Victoria, blocking her pathway to the wheelchair with an unwavering stare. Victoria stopped in her tracks, remembering the sharp sting of Hannah's hand against her face just minutes ago. She knew the maid would not hesitate to protect the old woman a second time if she tried anything foolish. The room fell silent again as Eleanor raised her hand to speak to the gathered crowd. Her voice was small and soft, but it carried across the high ceilings with clear authority that made everyone listen closely. She was no longer just an old woman in a wheelchair; she was the matriarch of the house.
Eleanor: I came here today to see if my son was marrying a good woman.
Victoria: I am so sorry, Mrs. Vance! I made a huge mistake!
Eleanor: You showed me exactly who you are when nobody was watching.
Victoria: Please, give me a second chance to prove myself!
Eleanor: My money will never go to a bully like you.
Eleanor picked up a simple black pen handed to her by the family lawyer and placed it against the legal papers on her lap. With a few quick movements of her hand, she signed a new legal amendment right in front of all the high-society guests. She modified the trust fund terms, directing that fifty percent of the annual estate profits be donated immediately to local elderly care centers and charities for poor workers. Furthermore, she removed Julian's single authority over the property, placing strict rules that required him to work hard and earn his place without relying on easy inheritance money. She was teaching her son a lesson he should have learned years ago.
Victoria let out a dramatic scream of pure anger and frustration, stomping her high heel against the hard floor like a spoiled child. She realized there was no money left for her to grab, no rich wedding to show off, and no high status to enjoy in town. The guests began to laugh openly at her desperation, shaking their heads in disgust as she finally turned around and ran out the grand front doors, her bright yellow dress trailing behind her in complete disgrace. Nobody followed her out, and nobody cared that she was gone from the property for good. Her greedy plans had collapsed in front of everyone because of her own ugly heart.
Julian stood beside his mother's wheelchair, taking her hand in his and bowing his head in deep humility. He thanked the lawyer for setting things right and turned to look at the guests who were still standing around the large room. He announced that the expensive food and drinks prepared for the wedding would be given away to local food shelters and hard-working families across town. He realized that money without respect and love was completely worthless, and he vowed to spend the rest of his life making up for how he had neglected his mother. The high-society guests began to applaud gently, respecting the young man for finally taking responsibility for his actions.