“The Bride Tried to Erase His Daughter From the Family—In Front of Everyone”

Ava’s father, Grant Holloway, had not seen her in six years.

He arrived with cameras outside the courthouse.

“He wants money,” Ava said flatly.

Emiliano believed her.

Victor investigated and found debts, lawsuits, and a recent contract with a tabloid outlet.

Grant had already sold the story: ABANDONED DAUGHTER RESCUED FROM BILLIONAIRE WEDDING SCANDAL.

Ava read the headline once and pushed the tablet away.

“Everybody wants a picture.”

Grace sat beside her. “Then don’t give them one.”

Celeste appeared by video from jail and did one thing Emiliano did not expect.

She testified against Grant.

“He is not safe,” she told the judge. “Whatever happens to me, do not punish Ava for my crimes.”

For once, she did not mention money, reputation, or herself.

Ava’s maternal aunt, Rebecca, was approved as temporary guardian. She lived forty minutes from Emiliano’s estate and promised the girls could remain close.

Outside court, reporters shouted questions.

“Mr. Vega, was Celeste trying to replace your daughter?”

“Grace, do you forgive her?”

“Ava, do you still love your mother?”

Emiliano stopped.

Mateo tensed.

Then Emiliano turned toward the cameras.

“These are children,” he said. “Not evidence. Not branding. Not content. Stop asking them to perform their pain for you.”

He took Grace’s hand and walked away.

That evening, Daniel Park arrived with a small box.

“I was going through the wedding backups,” he said. “I found one frame you might want.”

It had been taken seconds before the slap.

Grace was laughing at something Ava whispered. Emiliano was looking at both girls. In the background, Celeste was out of focus, watching them with a hard expression.

Grace touched the print.

“Can we keep this one?”

Emiliano smiled sadly. “Yes.”

She looked at the empty wall above the fireplace.

“But not by itself.”

“What do you want beside it?”