Morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, brushing across the floor like molten gold. Sara hadn't slept much. Every tick of the clock echoed louder than her heartbeat.
At 7:00 a.m., she stood before the mirror, her reflection calm — deceptively calm. Her mother's locket hung around her neck, its silver glint a reminder of who she was fighting for.
A gentle knock broke the silence.
"Come in," she said softly.
Ryo stepped inside, carrying his phone. His usual stoic face had an unusual hint of warmth. "Adrian's in position. Laura just left her room. She's dressed for business."
Sara nodded. "And Dad?"
Ryo hesitated. "Still in his study. But… he looked uncertain."
She took a deep breath. "Then we still have a chance."
Downstairs, Laura Carter was the picture of composure — navy suit, perfect hair, that confident tilt of her chin that said she had already won.
"Sara," she greeted with an icy smile, "up early. Guilt keeping you awake?"
Sara met her gaze steadily. "Truth usually does that."
Laura's smile didn't waver. "I'd watch my tone, dear. You'll need my goodwill soon enough."
Before Sara could respond, her father, Mr. Carter, entered. He looked weary — dark circles under his eyes, as though he hadn't rested either.
"Everyone ready?" he asked quietly.
Laura nodded briskly. "Yes. The lawyer will be here at nine."
Sara's pulse quickened. "Then I'd like to be present."
Laura arched a brow. "That won't be necessary."
Daniel's voice came from the doorway. "Oh, I think it's very necessary."
He walked in, dressed simply but with authority that filled the room. Adrian and Leo followed behind, calm but alert.
Laura's expression hardened. "What is the meaning of this?"
Daniel stepped forward. "Protection. For Sara — and for the truth."
Mr. Carter frowned slightly. "Daniel, I don't want drama today."
"Then you won't get any," Daniel replied evenly. "Just clarity."
As the lawyer arrived, carrying his briefcase, tension thickened the air. Everyone gathered in the study — a room that smelled faintly of old wood and unease.
Laura gestured toward the desk. "Let's proceed. The paperwork is ready."
But before the lawyer could open the folder, Leo stepped in with a flash drive.
"Actually," he said cheerfully, "before we proceed, you might want to see this."
He plugged the drive into the lawyer's laptop. On-screen appeared copies of the same documents — and attached were messages from Laura to the lawyer, with payment instructions and requests for backdated approval signatures.
Gasps filled the room. Mr. Carter's eyes widened. "Laura… what is this?"
Laura went pale, her voice shaky for the first time. "That's — that's fabricated! They're lying!"
Leo smiled faintly. "You can call it whatever you want, ma'am. Metadata doesn't lie."
Daniel crossed his arms. "You tried to manipulate your husband's legal power. And Sara's inheritance."
The lawyer quickly backed away. "I—I wasn't aware of these details, Mr. Carter. I'll have to verify this—"
Laura's mask cracked. "You don't understand! I was protecting what's mine!"
Sara's voice was quiet but cutting. "What's yours, Laura? Or what you took?"
For a moment, the room was silent except for the ticking clock.
Mr. Carter sank into a chair, rubbing his temples. "I can't believe this…"
Daniel placed a hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to sign anything today, sir. Not until the truth is clear."
Laura's eyes darted toward Sara, filled with cold fury. "You think you've won? This isn't over."
Sara met her gaze, unflinching. "No, it isn't. But this time, you'll be fighting fair."
Laura stormed out, heels echoing against the marble floor.
When she was gone, the tension finally eased.
Mr. Carter looked at Sara, guilt and confusion mixing in his tired eyes. "I should have seen it sooner."
Sara shook her head. "You were trying to trust her. That's not a sin."
He nodded weakly. "You're stronger than your mother ever imagined."
Sara smiled faintly. "She taught me well."
Daniel met her eyes from across the room — quiet pride in his expression.
And for the first time in months, Sara felt something she hadn't in a long time.
Peace.