A Wealthy Husband Finds His Long-Lost Daughter Working as His Wife's Maid

A Web of Golden Lies

Edward cleared his throat, his voice tight and unnatural as he tried to compose himself. "Yes, Margaret. A meeting was postponed," he stammered, his eyes darting anxiously between his wife and his weeping daughter on the floor. Margaret walked over, barely sparing Sophie a glance, and pointedly stepped over the puddle of soapy water.

"Well, make sure this clumsy girl finishes up quickly. She’s been slacking all afternoon,"

Margaret sneered, taking a slow sip of her wine. Edward felt a sharp stab of guilt pierce his chest. Seeing his own flesh and blood humiliated in his own home was a torment he hadn't prepared for. He had spent the last decade building a fortress of lies, telling Margaret and his high-society friends that he was an orphan with no ties to his past, all to protect his standing and secure a massive prenuptial agreement with Margaret's wealthy family.

As soon as Margaret swept out of the room to take a phone call in the study, Edward dropped his briefcase and rushed to Sophie’s side. He grabbed her soapy hands, pulling her up. "Sophie... oh my God, Sophie, is it really you?" he whispered, his voice cracking with genuine emotion.

Sophie pulled her hands away, her eyes flashing with a mix of sorrow and anger.

"Don't touch me,"

she hissed, wiping her nose with the sleeve of her uniform. "Yes, it's me. Mom died six months ago, Edward. She died in a cramped apartment with no heating, while you were living in this castle."

Edward flinched as if struck. "I didn't know... I tried to find you both, but—"

"But you loved her money more,"

Sophie interrupted, gesturing to the opulent surroundings. "I took this agency job hoping I'd eventually get assigned to your neighborhood. I wanted to see if the rumors were true. I wanted to see the monster who left us."