The fiery rage that had defined Eleanor's demeanor dissolved instantly, replaced by a profound, shuddering shock that stole the air from her lungs[cite: 3]. Tears broke free, streaming hot and fast down her pale cheeks as she looked from the locket back to the terrified young girl kneeling before her[cite: 3].
Eleanor: You're... you're Sarah's daughter[cite: 3]? My own granddaughter[cite: 3]?
Mia: I don't know what you mean[cite: 3]! You said I was a thief[cite: 3]!
Eleanor: Oh, my sweet child[cite: 3]... I didn't know[cite: 3]. I was so blind[cite: 3].
Eleanor dropped heavily to her knees, abandoning all her rigid posture and high-society composure as she pulled the weeping girl into an emotional, desperate hug right there on the cold marble floor[cite: 3]. Heavy crying echoed against the walls, blended with an emotional orchestral swell that rose in the background[cite: 3].
Mia: Let go of me[cite: 3]! You were just screaming at me[cite: 3]!
Eleanor: I am so sorry, my darling[cite: 3]. Forgive your foolish grandmother[cite: 3]. I thought you were just another stranger trying to steal the estate's legacy, when you actually are the legacy[cite: 3].
Mia: Mom always said you hated us... she said you threw her out years ago[cite: 3].
Eleanor: Pride did that[cite: 3]. Stubborn, unforgiving pride[cite: 3]. But you have her eyes... I see her so clearly in you now[cite: 3].