Scene One: A New Life in France
France. Early Morning.
Jace was already awake before his supposed biological mother came to wake him.
Years of training under Laspa had conditioned his body to rise early, regardless of whether he had a reason to. Old habits were difficult to abandon, especially when they had once been necessary for survival.
He completed thirty push-ups before heading to the bathroom, his morning routine proceeding with the precision of someone who had been trained to prepare for the worst.
When his mother entered his room, she found him already dressed and ready for the day.
"Good morning, sweetheart. You're awake already?"
Jace glanced at her. "Good morning."
She hesitated before asking whether he needed anything.
"I'm fine."
His answer was polite, brief, and delivered with the same calm detachment she was beginning to recognise.
She studied him for a moment.
"You know, you've always been awake and ready for school before I even attempt to wake you up. And this morning, I saw you doing thirty push-ups before going to the bathroom."
Jace said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
His mother sighed.
"I know I wasn't there for some of the most important days of your life. I missed birthdays, school events, and so many things a mother should have been present for. But I'm here now, Jace. I want you to know that."
For the first time that morning, his expression softened.
He smiled faintly.
"I know."
It wasn't much, but she held on to the little reassurance he offered.
Perhaps they were making progress after all.
Or perhaps she simply wanted to believe they were.
---
At the dining table, Jace's supposed biological father greeted him warmly.
"Good morning, son. How was school yesterday?"
"Fine."
"Anything interesting happen?"
"No."
His father exchanged a brief glance with his wife before returning his attention to Jace.
"All right. And your credit card? Is it working properly?"
"Yes."
"And the Porsche? Everything fine with the car?"
"Yes."
His father nodded, seemingly satisfied.
"Good. Let us know if you need anything."
"I will."
Jace finished his breakfast, collected his belongings, and prepared to leave.
His new life was certainly different from the one he had known before. He had gone from riding a small black bike to driving a Porsche, courtesy of parents who appeared to possess considerable wealth.
He had a comfortable home, a car, working credit cards, and people eager to provide him with anything money could buy.
Yet the things he had learned under Laspa's training remained firmly embedded in him.
He was alert. Disciplined. Guarded.
And he had no idea how to respond to parents who wanted to love him but didn't know how to reach him.
After Jace left, his parents remained at the dining table.
His mother stared at the doorway through which he had disappeared.
"Do you think he loves us?"
His father didn't answer immediately.
She looked at him, her voice growing quieter.
"Or have we failed as parents?"
Neither of them knew what to say.
For all their wealth, there was one thing they couldn't simply purchase: the closeness they had lost before they ever had the chance to build it.
And their son, despite finally having the family he had once been denied, still seemed to live as though he had to face the world alone.
Scene Two: The Ranch
Outskirts of Town.
Sam arrived at the ranch following the tip she had received.
The property was enormous, its sprawling grounds stretching far beyond what could be seen from the entrance. The buildings possessed an old-world grandeur, the sort of place that seemed to have accumulated its wealth over generations rather than acquired it overnight.
There was something distinctly unsettling about the place.
Before Sam could explore further, she was greeted by an elderly white woman who appeared to be in her sixties.
The woman's eyes seemed to have witnessed decades of young people arriving at the property, each hoping to find employment, opportunity, or perhaps a better life.
She regarded Sam with quiet scrutiny.
"Can I help you?"
Sam prepared to introduce herself, carefully considering how much information she ought to reveal.
The ranch was famous in certain circles, although very little was actually known about its owner.
Situated on the outskirts of town, the property was a popular location for private weddings, film productions, and other events requiring the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican ranch. Its vast grounds, rustic architecture, and imposing buildings made it an ideal setting for anyone seeking that particular aesthetic.
The place practically smelled of old money.
Yet its owner remained a mystery.
Nobody seemed to know who truly owned the property. The ranch had operated for years without its ownership ever becoming a subject of public discussion, and those who worked there rarely spoke about the person or people behind it.
Employment was another curious matter.
The ranch regularly hired workers, sometimes on a weekly basis, offering opportunities to people seeking temporary work. However, rumours persisted that employees were expected to follow exceptionally strict rules.
Nobody seemed willing to explain exactly why.
Then, recently, the ranch had closed its doors to the public without any apparent explanation.
Weddings were cancelled. Public bookings stopped. The usual activity surrounding the property disappeared.
The sudden closure raised questions, particularly among those who had become accustomed to its regular operations.
And now Sam was standing at its entrance, looking at a property that had suddenly become far more interesting than its reputation suggested.
The elderly woman continued to watch her.
Sam knew better than to let curiosity show on her face.
She had come here for a reason.
The old woman continues to look at her then said you want to work as a maid.
Sam: Yes,ma.
The old woman said okay, you have a place to stay, first thing 2morrow you need to prepare for work, your work begins by 9am in the morning.
Prepare to work and yes you could look at the environment and snap pictures during your free time but don't ever steal here, if not you mayn't live to tell the story but you could ask.
Sam widened her eyes when she heard that, but the old woman simply laughed and said she is joking but she shouldn't steal she could simply ask.
The scene moved to the Vega mansion
Vega mansion
Miss bani prepares for work early as she meets the remaining sisters on the table eating with Rhea Vega.
Sander and Sarah: Good morning,Miss bani.
Rhea Vega; Good morning
Miss bani: Good morning
Rhea Vega; You are going to work already it's just 7am now.
Miss bani ; Yes, I have meet with my Spanish client overseas and I want to finalize a contract with them.
Rhea Vega; My sister is so hardworking. Why do you take a few slices of bread to go.
Miss bani : do worry I have a chef in my company I can order her to prepare my meal?
Rhea Vega; you have a personal chef in the company too that is cool.
Miss bani simply smiles as she drink a few cups of coffee and leaves.
Miss bani: Ronish let go.
Ronish; Okay boss. Then leaves the mansion.
Rhea Vega; I wonder why she adopted three strange girls which background I have no idea.( In her mind) As looks at them with distain
As Sarah was eating she spill her tea on the table which spilled on Rhea Vega clothes.
Rhea Vega; You poor lowlife bitch!!! You ruined my dress!
Sarah; Ahh, I am so sorry I didn't mean to.
Sander : Also stands up and said sorry Miss Rhea Vega My sister didn't mean to. It must have spilled from her hand.
Sarah: I am really sorry.
Rhea Vega: sorry for your pathetic lowlife.
As she leaves
Sander looks at Sarah as she started crying.
While the maids quickly clean it up and the Alfred came as well.
Alfred: Miss Sarah don't take it to heart she didn't mean to.
Sandra: Yes ,she didn't mean it
Rhea Vega in her room.
Rhea Vega thinking
Those girls would spoil my plans how do I acquire Miss bani assets and money.