Laura sat in the dimly lit study of an exclusive law firm, the leather chair enveloping her like a throne. Across from her sat Mr. Halden, the family's long-time legal consultant — discreet, ambitious, and expensive.
Grace and Emily were seated to the side, both silent but alert.
Mr. Halden slid a folder across the desk. "These are the preliminary revisions. If executed correctly, Sara's legal authority in the Carter household will be reduced to symbolic status only."
Grace leaned forward. "Meaning?"
"She will not have decision-making power over assets, inheritance access, or property transitions until she reaches a designated age — which you, Mrs. Carter, can determine."
Emily smirked. "So she becomes a guest in her own house?"
Halden gave a thin smile. "In legal terms—yes. As long as Mr. Carter signs."
Grace frowned. "And if he hesitates?"
Laura's expression didn't flicker. "He won't. He'll do what I tell him."
Halden tapped a second paper. "There's also the matter of official guardianship adjustment. If pushed through quietly, it could restrict her movement, relationships, and alliances — for her protection, of course."
Emily's eyes glinted. "Meaning Daniel would no longer have access to her."
Grace exhaled slowly, tension easing. "Perfect."
But Halden raised a finger. "There is one obstacle. This must be done swiftly. If Sara contests or if she has external witnesses or representation, the process becomes complicated."
Laura's eyes narrowed. "Then we ensure she doesn't see this coming."
---
Back at the Carter estate, Sara sat on the couch in her room, laptop open but forgotten. A soft knock came before the door opened.
It was her father.
For a second, surprise flashed through her — he rarely came to her room without Laura's prompting.
"Dad?" she said warily.
William Carter stepped inside, holding a few documents. His expression was unreadable. "I'll be going out with Laura tomorrow morning. There are some papers she wants me to review and sign."
Sara's heartbeat stalled.
"What kind of papers?"
He hesitated. "Something about household authority. Legal clarity. She said it was standard procedure."
Sara felt the air shift around her.
"Did you read them?" she asked quietly.
"Not yet," he replied, almost dismissively. "Laura said she'd explain them in detail."
Sara stood. "Dad, listen to me. Don't sign anything yet. Not without reading every line."
He frowned slightly. "Sara—"
"I'm serious," she said, voice firm but controlled. "Don't let anyone speak for me. Not Laura. Not anyone."
William looked at her for a long moment — confusion, discomfort, something like guilt flickering in his eyes — before he nodded slowly.
"I won't sign anything without thinking it through."
It wasn't a promise. But it was enough for tonight.
He left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
Sara exhaled shakily.
She picked up her phone and messaged the one person she knew would act immediately.
Sara: We need to talk. Tonight.
Daniel: I'm on my way.
---
Meanwhile, in the boys' shared apartment, Adrian dropped his soda when his phone buzzed.
Daniel: Emergency meet. Sara's house. Now.
Ryan and Leo didn't need explanations — they were already grabbing their jackets.
Ryo, who had been leaning against the kitchen counter silently, spoke only one sentence:
"They're making their move early."
No one disagreed.
---
Across town, in the lawyer's study, Laura signed the last page of a preliminary authorization.
"By tomorrow," she said calmly, "Sara Carter will no longer be a threat to herself… or anyone else."
Her smile was thin and elegant.
Grace and Emily shared a look.
The game had begun.
And they thought they were winning.