In the days that followed, Fay went from one family member to another. Though she knew the chances of anyone taking her side were slim, she still tried. One by one, they turned her away. At the same time, the tenant farmers began showing up at her house, demanding refunds, crowding her doorstep with anxious voices and angry faces.
Life became unbearable. The pressure crushed down on her from every side, and Fay sank into a deep, bone-weary exhaustion.
In the end, she swallowed her pride and decided to meet Dominic himself.
She went to his workplace, the design studio, because she didn't want Elena present. The building buzzed with activity, workers passing in and out, paperwork shuffling across desks.
Dominic welcomed her into his office with a wide smile, as though nothing stood between them. The sight of it almost made her sick, his two-faced kindness turning her stomach.
Fay didn't beat around the bush. She stated plainly why she had come.
Dominic said nothing at first, calmly sipping his tea, letting her talk and talk until her throat went dry.
Her heart hardened, but she refused to give up.
Finally, she pulled herself together and knelt.
Dominic stared at her for a long moment. Then, slowly, he crouched until they were eye to eye.
"Sister-in-law," he said gently a smile tugging at the corner of his lip, "I'm not trying to be the bad guy here. But I'm powerless in this. Why don't you just go along with it? You're still family, there's no way you would be left out in this."
"When exactly did Ray sign the papers?" Fay asked, her voice tight, still unable to believe it.
Dominic straightened and sat back.
"Or you could go speak to Mr. Frederick yourself. I heard the tenants have been visiting your house. Who knows, maybe he'll give you time to settle them."
He pulled out a card and placed it in her hand.
"You should meet with him."
Fay stepped out of the building, the scorching sun beating down on her face. She stared at the card clenched in her palm. At this point, she had no choice. She had to go along with it, she had to survive this. Sally was still waiting for her at home.
...
Oak Line Furnishings
The building stood tall and imposing, its glass windows polished to a shine, the company name engraved in bold letters above the entrance. Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of wood polish and expensive perfume.
Fay approached the receptionist, who eyed her briefly before offering a practiced smile. After Fay explained herself, she was asked to wait. Minutes later, she was led down a quiet corridor and into a spacious office.
She was offered a drink, which she declined, and asked to sit. Fay lowered herself onto the chair, clutching the card tightly as she waited.
Tap!
Tap!
The sound of a cane striking the floor echoed outside. The door opened.
Mr. Frederick entered, smiling as though he had been expecting her.
"Did you wait long?" he asked, settling onto the cushioned seat across from her.
Fay stared at him for a moment, and he returned her gaze without losing his smile.
"I came to ask for some time," she said at last. "At least until this planting season ends, enough time for the crops to be harvested."
"You used to look radiant," he said suddenly.
"As though nothing could shake you. I suppose losing your support finally wore you down."
He leaned back slightly.
"How about we discuss this from another angle? Personally, I think having you as my business partner would be far better than partnering with Dominic. The young man is too greedy for his own good."
"What are you talking about?" Fay asked, her eyes narrowing.
Mr. Frederick stood, his cane striking the floor, the sound sharp and deliberate, as he moved closer and sat beside her. Fay shifted uncomfortably.
"I'm proposing a way out for you" he said. "All you need to do is agree."
His hand moved toward hers, slowly stroking it. Fay went still immediately.
"It used to be your husband's land. I know it isn't easy to see it taken away. But this can't be avoided. What I can promise is a share once my company is built there" He said
"You'll live comfortably. Quietly. And if you behave, your daughter will grow up just fine."
His hand trailed up her arm.
Fay felt utterly disgusted. Her body trembled with anger as she stood abruptly, drawing in a sharp breath.
"I understand," she said flatly, turning to leave.
"You know" He continued his voice dropping "Children sense instability. A mother who cries too much, who panics.."
"Don't talk about her" Fay threatened
"You're making the same bad choice again," he said lazily.
"Ah, it's because you still have something to lose. I wonder if you'll finally straighten up once you lose that little one too."
Fay stopped dead and turned sharply.
"What did you say?"
Mr. Frederick rose and moved closer.
"You're tired" he said softly. " Unstable, one report from those people, one concerned visit from the authorities...and your daughter won't be yours anymore."
Fay clearly shaken by this staggered back.
"From the moment Ray chose you, he lost everyone around him. Did he really think he could go against me and still keep that land? If Miles were alive, he wouldn't have succeeded, but I'm glad one of Miles's sons still has what it takes."
"You should think rationally," he continued, smiling. "I won't be the one to take your daughter from you. It will be those same people who call themselves your family."
Fay stood frozen, her eyes bloodshot.
"You're saying Ray was taken from me by his own family?"
"Those people can't be relied on," he said, stepping closer and lifting a finger toward her chin. "I'm the only one who can support you now."
Fay slapped his hand away.
"I don't need it."
She turned to leave, but he grabbed her wrist roughly.
"Do you think you'll always get your way?"
"Let go of me!" Fay shouted, yanking her hand free.
He laughed.
"You think Dominic didn't know my intentions before sending you here? If you won't give in, the little girl will, eventually."
At the mention of Sally, Fay snapped. She shoved him hard.
Though old, Mr. Frederick managed to steady himself.
He burst into laughter, as though savoring her pain.
"It's her fate," he said calmly. "One she can't escape. If you keep going like this, she'll come to me eventually."
The room went silent.
Fay's gaze dropped, to the cane in his hand.
Then she laughed
"You think..." She murmured, stepping closer, "You think you already won."
Before he could react, she grabbed the cane.
Mr Frederick barely had time to gasp before Fay swung it with all the strength left in her shaking body.
The sound was dull but solid. With a strangled cry, he staggered back, his balance failing him, he struck the edge of the desk as he fell, blood oozing at his temple.
Fay stood over him, chest heaving, eyes wild, her hands trembling so badly the cane slipped from her grip and clattered to the floor.
For a moment, she didn't move.
Then she whispered, half to herself
"Don't you dare touch my daughter"