Sophia descended the grand staircase, her footsteps echoing in the opulent hall.
At the foot of the stairs, she saw Melanie sobbing in Mina's arms, her voice thick with feigned distress. "Mom, I'm so unfairly treated. I'm devastated. I have a baby on the way, and I don't want my child to suffer because of me."
Mina's face was a picture of exaggerated sympathy, rubbing Melanie's back in a mock gesture of comfort. "Don't cry, Melanie. Your father will make sure you're taken care of. He won't let anyone push you around."
Melanie's eyes were red, her tears streaming down her face, and she looked up pitifully. "Dad, I've never fought with Sophia over anything, but now… now it's different. I'm carrying a child. I'm all alone, and I want to secure a future for my baby."
Sophia stood with her
