MARY'S BURST OUT

The tension in Alex's house was palpable as the evening light filtered through the windows. He was sitting on the couch, with a glass of water, trying to relax after the emotionally exhausting day.

Suddenly, the front door burst open, and Mary stormed in, her face a mask of fury. Before Alex could react, she delivered a resounding slap to his face. Emily had called her to tell her that it was too late. He already returned the documents to Leah.

Mary, "Who do you think you are to make decisions about how I run my family and what was passed down to each of us, Alex?" she spat, her eyes blazing with anger.

Alex rubbed his cheek, feeling the sting of the slap. He took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "I have cleared my conscience. That’s all that matters."

Mary, "By destroying what you didn’t work for? Oh, now you finally have a conscience to do the right thing?"

Alex, "I know, right? Sometimes we all have to start on a clean slate. I’m not into cowardice. So thanks. And