Elsa stares at her mother in shock. "What accusations?"
"Theft. Plagiarism of compositions. None of it was true, but it didn't matter. No one would hire him after that. He couldn't bear the shame, the inability to provide." Maria's eyes fill with tears. "One day, he was just gone. Left a note saying we deserved better than a failed musician."
"That's why we changed our name? Why we're Reynolds instead of Martinez?"
Maria nods. "Victoria didn't recognize me when I applied here years later. By then, she'd moved on to new amusements. But I recognized her. Every day I've worked here, served her, cleaned up after her parties..."
"And you never told me?" Elsa whispers.
"I was trying to protect you! Victoria Harrington deliberately destroyed your father because he wounded her pride. Imagine what she'd do if she knew his daughter was under her roof with the same extraordinary gift."
Elsa's hands clench into fists. "She's kept us in servitude out of spite all these years. And now her son will win a scholarship he doesn't deserve or appreciate."
"That's how the world works, mija."
"No." Elsa stands, a new resolve straightening her spine. "That's how their world works. But not anymore. Not for me."
The determination in her eyes fills Maria with both pride and terror.
The night of the gala arrives, transforming the Harrington mansion into a glittering showcase of wealth and privilege. Limousines deposit guests in formal attire at the entrance, where staff in crisp uniforms guide them toward the ballroom. Elsa moves through the crowd like a ghost, carrying trays of champagne flutes, invisible despite being in plain sight.
The main event, the piano competition, has drawn significant attention. The grand piano sits on a raised platform at the center of the ballroom, a spotlight illuminating its gleaming surface. Judge Montgomery converses with foundation board members, his dignified presence lending gravity to the proceedings.