"He's lying to you!" Maya sobbed, her finger shaking as she pointed again toward the hallway. "Every single word out of his mouth is calculated! He wants you to believe I'm crazy so you'll sign those papers!"
Before Arthur could answer, heavy footsteps echoed down the hardwood corridor.
Marcus stepped into the living room.
At thirty-one, Marcus possessed the sharp, commanding presence of his late mother's side of the family. Dressed in a dark blue denim shirt and black trousers, his jaw was set in a tight, unyielding line. In his right hand, he carried a black digital tablet, its screen glowing faintly against the warm lighting of the room.
His eyes locked onto Maya, his expression instantly darkening into pure indignation.
"Get away from him!" Marcus shouted, his voice booming through the living room, causing the framed family photos on the side table to vibrate.
Maya gasped, flinching back against the cushion of the sofa, her knees pulled tight against her chest.
"Marcus, please," Arthur said, holding up a hand, his palms open in a gesture of peace. "Calm down. We're just talking."
"She has no right to be here!" Marcus roared, pointing an accusing finger straight at his sister. "You have no right to come into this house after what you did! Stop manipulating him, Maya!"
Chapter 2: The Digital Evidence
Marcus took two long strides into the room, stopping directly in front of the sofa. He didn't look at Maya; his focus was entirely on his father.
"Marcus, son, lower your voice," Arthur insisted, his hands still raised in a calming motion. "She's upset. Look at her. What is going on between you two?"