Why My Wealthy Father Jumped Off That Mansion Balcony Today

I led Maya upstairs to her bedroom, wrapped her in a big warm blanket, and gave her a glass of warm milk. She stopped crying after a few minutes, but she held her stuffed bunny close to her chest. I sat on the edge of her bed, making sure the bedroom door stayed locked from the inside. From down the hall, I could hear elevated voices coming from Dad's private study.

Dad was on the phone with his divorce lawyer and his personal security team. After twenty minutes, the sound of shouting faded, followed by the firm click of the study door opening. Dad walked down the hallway and knocked softly on Maya's door. I unlocked it and let him in. He had changed into dry clothes, but his face looked tired and worn out.

Richard: How is she doing, Leo?

Leo: She is feeling better, Dad. Is Evelyn still here?

Richard: She is packing her bags in the guest room under the watch of our security guard.

Leo: Did she really do it on purpose, Dad?

Dad sat down on the bed next to us and took a deep breath. He took my hand in his left hand and Maya's hand in his right. His voice was steady, but I could tell he was deeply hurt inside by what he had uncovered.

Richard: I checked the security cameras on the balcony deck, Leo. The video showed everything clear as day.

Leo: What did the camera show?

Richard: It showed Evelyn unlocking the gate ten minutes before you kids came upstairs. Then she placed Maya's favorite toy bird near the edge to lure her out there.

A cold chill ran down my spine as I heard those words. My stepmother had planned the entire terrible event just to get her hands on the family estate and the big life insurance payout. If Maya had fallen on the concrete patio, Evelyn would have tried to claim the money for herself through a complicated lawsuit.

Richard: I called the police, Leo. They are at the front gate right now.

Maya: Is Evelyn going away, Daddy?

Richard: Yes, sweetie. She is never coming back to this house again.