Victoria tapped her diamond ring against the armrest of the heavy wheelchair.
The large stone caught the bright daylight, casting small flashes of light across Ethan's face.
Victoria: This ring was meant for a man who could lead an empire.
Ethan: You took that ring from my mother's velvet jewelry box before the accident.
Victoria: I saved it from being sold to pay off your mounting medical bills.
Ethan: My estate had plenty of wealth until you gained full control of my accounts.
Victoria smiled, leaning back with a look of smug satisfaction on her face.
Victoria: That is the beauty of a valid power of attorney, my darling.
Clara took a small step forward, unable to restrain her rising anger any longer.
Clara: Mr. Ethan gave you that power so you could manage the company payroll!
Victoria: Be quiet before I fire you and throw your clothes into the street!
Ethan: Leave Clara out of this conversation, Victoria.
Victoria: She forgets her place, just like you forget yours nowadays.
Victoria raised her cane again and struck the footrest with brutal force.
The heavy iron frame shuddered, sending a vibration straight up into Ethan's legs.
He gripped the woolen blanket, hiding the tension in his powerful thigh muscles.
Victoria: You are a useless cripple who will spend his life in this seat.
Victoria: Tomorrow morning, I will finalize my marriage to Julian Vance.
Ethan's eyes darkened as he heard the name of his worst business rival.
Julian Vance had tried to purchase Ethan's shipping firm for over five long years.
Ethan: Julian is a thief who drove his own family business into complete bankruptcy.
Victoria: Julian is a man who can walk upright and command a full room.
Victoria: He offers me power and prestige, two things you can never give me.
Ethan: You betrayed everything we built together for a title and quick cash.
Victoria: I survived in a world where only the strong hold real power.
She leaned down closer, her cruel eyes searching his calm face for broken pride.
Victoria: I took your money, your company, and soon I will take this house.
Clara: You will not take anything else from him today!
Clara sprinted from the wall and placed her small body directly between them.
Her hands raised high in the air as she guarded Ethan's motionless form.
Victoria: Move out of my way before I hit you with this cane!
Clara: I am not afraid of your cane or your evil heart!
Victoria raised the heavy cane high over her head, her face twisted with rage.
Victoria: Then learn your lesson the hard way, you useless maid!