CH.8

ELISE

I sit by the window, watching sunlight crawl across the floor. The sky outside looks so damn free while I'm stuck in here like some forgotten toy.

Six months in this place has taught me one thing: hope is just a fancy word for future disappointment.

A sharp knock pulls me from my thoughts.

"Your visitors are here, Mrs. Westfield," Nurse Wagner says flatly. She barely cracks the door open, her face empty as usual.

I stand up, smoothing my sweater. The only personal thing they've let me keep.

I take a deep breath. "Let them in."

The door swings open. Dad walks in first, filling the room with his big-shot energy. His suit looks expensive and perfect, not a single wrinkle. His face is cold, like I'm just another business problem to solve.

"Hello, Father." My words hang there.

He doesn't even bother to answer.

Natasha struts in next, her heels clicking on the floor. She’s dressed to kill in her cream-colored suit.

Her hair's all pinned up and her sharp cheekbones making her look extra smug today. Her blue eyes are full of nothing but amusement at my situation.

"My, my, Elise. This place is nicer than I expected. Almost cozy," she says, looking around my room like she's inspecting a dirty public bathroom.

Alexander comes in last, hesitating for a second before stepping inside.

They stand together like a wall of people who are supposed to love me but clearly don't. Blood means nothing right now.

I force a smile that feels like it might crack my face. "What's the occasion? None of you have bothered to visit in weeks."

Dad moves to the small table by the window, pulling out a thick folder from his briefcase. He puts it down like it's something precious.

"Sit, Elise. We need to talk."

I don't move. I cross my arms tight over my chest. "Why do all three of you need to be here for this?"

Dad's patience starts wearing thin. "It's important. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

Natasha sits down, crossing her legs like she's got all day.

"This is simple," she says, tapping her chin. "These papers make sure you have no more claims: money, legal stuff, anything else. Think of it as... closure. For everyone."

I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "So that's why you're here. Not to check on me. Not to ask when I can leave. Just to make sure I disappear quietly."

"The doctors say you're improving. That's good." Alexander finally speaks up.

"Is it?" I turn to him. "Yet none of you have asked how I feel. None of you have asked what I want."

Dad's face tightens, his patience running out. "Sign the papers, Elise."

I look at them, searching for anything. For guilt, hesitation or even the smallest crack. However, Alexander's stare is cold. Natasha watches with excitement barely hidden behind her smile. My father stands there like a statue.

The truth hits me like a truck, heavy and suffocating. They planned this. Every word, every move, every detail.

"And if I refuse?" My voice stays steady, yet my hands shake.

Natasha leans forward with her grin getting wider. "Then you stay here. For as long as it takes. The doctors are very worried about your... episodes. They think you need more treatment."

"Those so-called episodes only started after I questioned the company's decisions," I shoot back, clenching my fists. "And the only witnesses? The three of you."

Dad lets out a slow breath, shaking his head like I'm being a difficult child. "This is the best solution for everyone. Sign the papers, and we can all move on."

"Move on." The words taste bitter. "While I stay locked away?"

Alexander won't even look at me. "Once the doctors say you're stable, you'll be released. It's just... a process."

I look at the papers spread in front of me. Pages filled with legal crap. I could fight. I could scream. I could refuse.

But what would change?

Nothing. They control everything. They control my freedom, my future, my life.

"Give me the pen." I sink into the chair, my heart heavy.

Dad slides a fancy fountain pen toward me, his face softening just slightly like he's pleased. "You're making the right decision."

"Am I?" I whisper, picking up the pen. "Or do I just have no choice?"

No one answers.

I sign. Page after page. Each signature feels like another piece of me dying.

The ink flows smooth, just like when I signed my marriage papers, my business contracts, all the things that once built my life.

Natasha watches me sign and her eyes are shining with cruel delight.

Alexander keeps his eyes on the documents. Dad stands nearby, calm and detached, like this is just another business deal.

I reach the last page and stop with my pen hovering over the signature line.

"This is everything you wanted?" I ask.

Dad gives a small nod. "Everything necessary."

I sign my name one last time. The confident flourish I once had is gone. I set the pen down and slide the papers toward him.

"There. It's done." I let out a slow breath, waiting for some kind of relief. "Now tell me when I can leave."

For the first time, Natasha truly smiles. It's not just amusement, it's victory.

Alexander carefully stacks the papers and puts them in his briefcase, closing it with a snap. "Good. Now that everything's settled, there's one more thing you should know."

A chill runs down my spine. "What do you mean?"

Natasha 's eyes flick to Alexander, her amusement barely contained. "You're not leaving, Elise. Ever."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What?" My throat tightens.

Dad stands there completely relaxed now that the documents are secured.

"You've become... unpredictable. A risk to yourself and others." He waves a hand around the room. "This is the best place for you. It keeps you safe and keeps the company stable."

"No." My heart pounds. "That wasn't the deal. I signed because you promised—"

"We said what was needed to get your signature," Natasha cuts in with a soft, mocking laugh. "Oh, Elise. Did you really think we'd let you walk away? After everything you know? After all the trouble you've caused?"

I turn to Dad, searching for something… anything human in his face.

"You knew about this?" My voice breaks. "This was your plan all along?"

"It's complicated." His tone is empty. "The company needs stability. I need someone I can trust. And you... need help."

"Help." The word tastes bitter. "That's what you call this?"

My hands shake as I reach for the documents, but Alexander has already locked them away. It doesn't matter. I signed every page. Every hidden trap. Every lie buried in legal words I hadn't read carefully enough.

"The board already decided," Dad continues, like this is just another routine matter. "Natasha will take your place as heiress. Alexander keeps his shares and position. The announcement goes out next week."

"And I just... disappear?" My voice is steady now, the shock turning into cold understanding. "Everyone will forget I existed?"

"Not at all." Natasha stands, smoothing her perfect suit. "You'll be remembered as the brilliant but troubled heiress who, sadly, couldn't handle the pressure. We'll speak of you with sympathy at charity events."

Dad fastens his suit jacket, already preparing to leave. "This is for the best, Elise. For everyone."

"For you," I whisper. "For your legacy. For your ambition."

He doesn't deny it. "The company will thrive. That's what matters."