Ezra's father, his gaze unwavering, his expression a mixture of disdain and disgust, shook his head. "I know your type, " he said, his voice cold and calculating. "You've used this story before. It's a playbook. A manipulative strategy. You prey on the vulnerable, the gullible. You use charm and compassion to gain what you want."
 Olivia, her mind racing, knew she needed to act quickly, to regain control of the situation. She had to convince Ezra's father that her love for Ezra was genuine, that their story wasn't a calculated ploy for wealth or power.
 "It's not true," she said, her voice firm, her gaze locking with his. "I'm not what you think I am. I'm not a predator, not a manipulator. I'm a woman who fell in love, a woman who chose a life of simplicity and honesty. I love Ezra for who he is, not for his wealth or his family's legacy."
 "If you want to see our love story, Mr. Birmingham, look at us," Olivia said, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and defiance. "Look at our eyes, our touch, our connection. We are truly in love, and that is all that matters."
 Ezra, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on his father. “Dad, it’s true. I love Olivia. It’s not about money or power. It’s about love. It’s about choosing my own path, about finding my own happiness. Olivia is my soulmate. And I’m not going to give her up. Not for anyone.”
 The room fell silent, a heavy silence that was punctuated by the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. Ezra’s father, his gaze fixed on Ezra, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and disappointment, remained silent.
 “Well, Ezra,” he finally said, his voice low, a rumble that echoed through the room. “You’ve chosen your path. It’s your choice. But you’ve made an enemy of your father.”
 Ezra, his heart filled with a mix of hope and fear, met his father’s gaze, his own gaze filled with a newfound resolve. He had made his choice, a choice that would irrevocably change his life. He was ready to face the consequences, ready to defend his love, ready to fight for his happiness.
 “It’s my choice, Dad,” Ezra said, his voice strong, his eyes filled with determination. “And I’m not going to regret it.”
 “Then you can live with the consequences,” Ezra’s father said, his voice cold, his eyes filled with disdain. “You’re no longer a part of this family.”
 “I’m sorry, Dad,” Ezra said, his voice filled with a mixture of regret and resolve. “But you can’t control my life.”
 “And you can’t control us.” Olivia said, her voice soft, yet firm. “You can’t control what we feel.”
 The tension in the room remained palpable, a silent battleground where love, ambition, and family clashed.
 The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Ezra, his heart pounding in his chest, watched as his father rose from the table, his face a mask of disappointment and anger. Without a word, without a glance back, he turned and walked away, his heavy footsteps echoing through the silence of the grand dining room.
 Victoria, her face pale with fury, stood up as well, her eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on Ezra and Olivia. She shot them a look that could have curdled milk, a look that spoke volumes of betrayal, of anger, of disappointment. And then, with a swift, determined stride, she hurried after her husband, her silk dress rustling as she moved, a silent, but powerful statement of her disapproval.
 Once they were both out of sight, Olivia/Selena let out a deep, relieving breath, her shoulders slumping slightly. The tension, the pressure, the weight of the situation, had taken its toll on her.
 “I … I don’t believe that just happened,” Olivia/Selena said, her voice a soft whisper, her eyes wide with disbelief. "They all looked really angry. I thought these things only happen in television dramas or in the movies, but I realized that it happens in real life."
 Ezra, his emotions still in control, finally spoke. "Well, this kind of situation is normal, especially in the Birmingham Family. By the way, good job, Selena. You were pretty impressive." 
 "Thanks. I can say that I really did my best. But I've got to admit, your father and your stepmother are quite scary." Selena/Olivia said in return.
 “I understand what you feel. My father and his second wife are so used to getting their own way. They are used to having everything go according to their plans.” Ezra grimly enunciated.
 "At least we were able to pull off our plan successfully." Selena/Olivia tries to lighten up the situation.
 "Yes. I'll send you your first payment on your ATM this evening." Ezra responded.
 “But what about your father?” Olivia/Selena said, her eyes filled with concern. “Do you think he will ever forgive you?”
 Ezra looked down at his hands, his brow furrowed, a shadow of doubt crossing his face. “I don’t know,” he said, his voice a low murmur. “I hope so. But I can’t live my life waiting for his forgiveness. I have to live my life for myself.”
 "I wish that your father will be able to open his eyes and see what's really going on... I hope he can see Victoria and Valerie's evil plans." Selena sincerely stated.
 “I’m not sure they're going to give up easily,” Ezra said, a hint of anxiety creeping back into his voice. “But we’ll be prepared. I hope you’re ready for the next stage. We’ll make sure that this plan works..."
 Selena/Olivia, her gaze meeting Ezra’s, felt a rush of excitement. This was a challenge. This was a chance to help someone in need. This was her job, her craft, her talent. And she was ready for it.
 "I'm ready for anything," she said, a confident smile playing on her lips. “I’m a professional. I can handle anything. We’ll make sure this plan works. We’ll make sure that your father can’t stop us. We’ll make sure you can have a future of your own.”
 And as they left the mansion, the city lights swirl around them, a sense of hope filled the air...