Chapter 7 - The Shadow of the Law
The storm arrived in the form of Arthur Pendelton, Daniel’s long-time corporate attorney and a partner at one of the country's most ruthless law firms.
Arthur arrived at the estate unannounced on a Tuesday morning, carrying a thick leather briefcase. He met Daniel in his study, locking the door behind him.
"Daniel, have you lost your mind?" Arthur demanded, throwing a file onto the desk. "I heard about the clinic, and I’ve seen the DNA results. This is a PR disaster waiting to happen, not to mention a massive legal liability. You have a biological heir to a multi-billion-dollar empire living under the same roof as a former domestic worker!"
"Maria is Sophia's mother, Arthur," Daniel said coldly, his voice dripping with warning. "Watch your tone."
"She is a biological stranger to that child, Daniel!" Arthur countered. "The law is clear. Sophia is the biological product of you and Claire. The clinic made an error, yes, but legally, Maria Alvarez has no genetic claim to that child. If we take this to court, we can terminate her maternal rights within a month. We can offer her a settlement—five million, ten million, whatever it takes to make her go away—and you can have sole custody of your daughter without this... this baggage."
Daniel stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Get out."
"Daniel, be reasonable—"
"I said, get out!" Daniel roared, his eyes blazing with fury. "If you ever suggest stripping Maria of her rights again, I will fire your firm, ruin your reputation, and ensure you never practice law in this country again. Maria is Sophia’s mother. That is final."
Unbeknownst to them, Maria had been walking down the hallway to bring them coffee. She had heard every word through the heavy wooden door.
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“Legally, Maria Alvarez has no genetic claim...” “We can terminate her maternal rights...” “Make her go away...”
The words echoed in Maria’s mind, triggering her deepest, most primal fears. She dropped the tray, the porcelain cups shattering on the marble floor. By the time Daniel opened the door, Maria was already running toward her room, tears streaming down her face.
