8
507words
She upped the ante,demanding a press conference for a public handover.
She was walking straight into her own trap, hungry for the limelight.I’d let the world see her nature.
The press conference was held at Springfield’s grandest hotel.
Sophia,decked out in a stunning red gown,,strutted onstage,radiant,and took the mic.
“Ladies and gentlemen,welcome!”
“I’ve gathered you for a major announcement!”
The crowd buzzed,speculating.
“As you know,my father runs Harper Industries.Sadly,due to overwork,he’s been diagnosed with cancer…”
Sophia shed crocodile tears.
“So, in his wisdom, he’s decided to transfer all of Harper Industries’ assets to me. I’m confident that I can lead this great company to even greater heights!”
The audience erupted.
“Cancer?So sudden!”
“Poor Mr.Harper,He’s such a kind man, but fate has been so cruel to him…”
“Where’s Mr.Harper for such big news?”
Sophia pressed on,“Please,quiet down.My father has words for you!”
Silence fell.Mr.Harper,in a tailored suit,hair impeccable,walked on with Mrs.Harper,both smiling.
He took the mic,glanced at me,and spoke solemnly.
“I declare Sophia Bradley is not my real daughter!”
“What!”
The crowd gasped.Sophia’s smug grin froze,eyes blazing with disbelief.
“Elliot Harper,what are you doing?”
She lunged,but guards Mr.Harper hired blocked her.
“My child was swithed at birth,and my real daughter has endured years of hardship in the countryside!”
“And her,this venomous woman!To steal Harper wealth,she poisoned my tea and stole company secrets to blackmail me!”
He pointed at Sophia,eyes blazing with hate.
I stepped onto the stage,projecting all evidence on the large screen.
The Bradleys’crimes against me were laid bare.
My hands trembled with a mixture of excitement and relief.
Warm hands gripped mine—the Harpers,gazing at me with love and pain.
As the videos and recordings played,the crowd’s eyes filled with despair and sympathy.
Their eyes now held nothing but pity, concern, and a deep sense of sadness as they looked at me.
Mr.Harper produced a DNA test,declaring,“Mariam Harris is my true heiress!”
Sophia collapsed,screaming,“Why?Why did I lose?Mariam,I’ll kill you!”
She pulled a knife from nowhere,charging me.
Guards seized her.In the struggle,the blade plunged into her abdomen.
Blood poured.The crowd watched coldly,expressionless.
“I…I…why…like this…”
Sophia choked out, struggling for a few moments before going still, her eyes wide open, lifeless.
I sighed,staring at her body,unsure whether to cry or laugh.
My taut nerves finally eased,and darkness claimed me as I fell.
This time,I didn’t hit cold ground but was caught by gentle hands.
I,too,was a loved child now…
When I opened my eyes,I saw my parents sitting by my bedside, their hands tenderly caressing my face.
Sensing that I was awake,Dad said the Bradleys were sent to a trafficking ring,per his arrangements.
Mary,the widow,was beaten to death by village women.
Tears welled in my eyes.
I’d always believed that what goes around comes around.
The Bradleys had finally paid the price for their wicked deeds.
Noticing new gray hairs on my parents,I croaked,“Mom,Dad,let’s live well from now on.”
They nodded,and we embraced tightly.
Our family embraced,basking in the warm afternoon sun after endless rain.
