Ethan spent time with Richard each day, holding his hands and telling stories about his mother—how she sang while sewing and believed a simple meal could make someone rich if love was present.
Slowly Richard changed. Not just physically, but emotionally.
His toes moved. Then sensation returned to his calves. Doctors were astonished.
Victoria, however, was terrified. If Richard changed, if he grew close to the boy, her future inheritance could disappear.
So she began to destroy the boy’s reputation.
Rumors spread through the staff. Daniel whispered suspicions.
Then Victoria hid a diamond necklace under Ethan’s mattress and staged a dramatic discovery.
Ethan cried in confusion.
But Richard looked into the boy’s eyes and saw only fear, not guilt. He dismissed the accusation.
Victoria grew desperate.
Eventually she fabricated a detailed story, paying people to claim Ethan belonged to a criminal group targeting wealthy individuals.
The lies were convincing.
For the first time, doubt reached Richard.
When he looked at Ethan again, the boy was crying, repeating that he only wanted to help.
But Richard’s fear overcame his trust.
“Take him away,” he ordered.