The heavy mahogany doors swung open, revealing a young woman dressed in professional business attire.
Her long brown hair flowed elegantly behind her as she glided smoothly over the polished marble floors. She was a breathtaking innocent beauty, her features framed by a fierce determination despite the unmistakable furrow in her brows.
Everyone in the boardroom turned to look, eyes wide and mouths slightly agape. They watched in stunned silence as she walked in, her gaze fixed on the older man at the head of the long table.
"Evelina? What are you doing here?" Richard Moore questioned, his voice firm but surprised, clearly demanding an answer.
"This can't wait. We need to talk." Evelina's tone was low but unyielding, as if daring him to refuse. I've been patient long enough...
Richard's expression soured. "Can you not see I'm in the middle of an important meeting? What could possibly be so urgent it can't wait until afterward?" he snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes. "You're interrupting my work."
"I know, Father. But you know exactly why I'm here." Evelina's voice stayed calm, yet beneath her words was a hard edge of resolve.
Richard's stare sharpened, but he waved a dismissive hand at the others. "This meeting is adjourned. You may all leave."
The board members exchanged uncertain glances before nodding and filing out, leaving Evelina and Richard alone in tense silence.
"What is it that you want?" he asked, his tone dripping with indifference, though his eyes glinted with suspicion. "This had better be worth my time."
Evelina's expression was grave, a stark contrast to her petite frame. "You promised me the inheritance my mother left for me," she stated, meeting his gaze unwaveringly. "And my rightful position in this company."
Richard's jaw clenched as he eyed her, taken aback by her defiance. Since when did she have the courage to talk to me like this? he thought, the faintest glimmer of surprise flickering across his face.
"Yet you gave that position to Maya…" Her voice softened, hurt creeping in around the edges. "Am I not your and Mother's first daughter? Mom left everything she had, including this company, for me. You promised me, Father, and it's been years. I'm already twenty—"
"Enough!" Richard's hand slammed onto the table, the sound reverberating through the empty room. His face contorted in anger, and he took a long moment before speaking again, his voice a low fury. "Let me make this very clear, Evelina. I own this place, I make the rules, and I choose who I want in any position," he seethed. "And Didn't you say you wanted to start your own business? Why are you even asking for this? Maya is the best candidate."
Evelina's fists clenched at her sides, and her eyes flashed with indignation. "Father… I worked hard and studied every day for this role," she said through gritted teeth, her voice taut with restraint. What did Maya do to deserve this? I know more about this company than she ever will!
"Stop with these selfish, childish demands and be grateful. If it weren't for Claire, I would've kicked you out a long time ago!" He glared at her, dismissive. "I've made my decision, Evelina. Now leave."
Evelina took a steadying breath, her gaze hardening as she looked back at him. "Then be prepared to deal with the consequences," she said quietly, her voice calm but edged with finality. "Things will only get worse for this company if you do this."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked out, gripping the door handle a bit too tightly before slamming it shut behind her.
The sharp echo of her footsteps filled the hallway as Evelina strode forward, her mind racing from the confrontation she'd just had. She knew the risks of challenging her father—defying him always came with consequences.
Each step resonated through the hall until the sound finally faded, replaced by an eerie silence. Her hands were trembling now, shaking with anger, shock, and sorrow as tears blurred her vision. It's always the same, she thought bitterly. No matter what I do, he'll never give me what's mine.
She leaned against the wall, her legs threatening to buckle under the weight of her frustration. What am I supposed to do now?
No, Evelina told herself, shaking her head firmly, ignoring the throbbing pain in her temples. I won't let myself falter. Taking a few deep breaths, she steadied herself, pulling out her phone. I should talk to Liam. Maybe it'll help.
She was about to dial his number when she paused, a small, shy smile creeping onto her lips. "I should go see him instead," she murmured, tucking her phone away as she resumed her walk toward the building's exit.
Just as she reached her car, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, frowning at the name that flashed: Claire. Her stepmother.
What does she want now? Evelina debated for a moment, then answered. "Hello?"
There was a brief pause before Claire's cold, clipped voice cut through. "Evelina, come home. Now."
Evelina's eyebrows shot up. Home? Her stepmother had never asked her to come home before. "Why?" she asked, the word escaping before she could stop it.
"Don't ask questions. Just come." Claire's tone was sharper, leaving no room for argument.
"O...kay," Evelina stammered, but the line went dead before she could finish. She sighed, slipping her phone back into her purse. No getting out of this, she thought, resigned.
The drive to the Moore estate was nearly silent, her mind drained from the earlier confrontation with her father. When the sprawling house came into view, she parked, took a deep breath, and climbed out, feeling the familiar weight settle over her shoulders as she approached the door.
She opened it and walked inside. There, in the living room, sat Claire, calm and poised, a teacup in her hand as she gazed out the large window into the garden, her legs elegantly crossed.
Evelina swallowed, hesitating. "Madam?" she managed, walking cautiously toward her stepmother.
Claire's gaze remained fixed out the window as a faint smile played on her lips. "Where did you go?" she murmured, setting her teacup aside. "I waited for hours..." Her voice trailed off as she stood and approached Evelina, her expression unreadable.
Evelina felt a wave of panic. How could she explain where she had been? If I tell her I went to see Father, she'll destroy me. "Well, I..."
Before she could finish, Claire seized both her arms, her nails biting painfully into Evelina's skin as she glared into her eyes. "Did you plan for me to starve?" Her voice was sharp, cold enough to make Evelina's blood run cold. "Tell me!"
"I... no, madam, I would never..." Evelina stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. "I only went out briefly." She forced a bright smile. "I'll go make your meal now—"
But before she could finish, Claire slapped her hard across the face, then again, each blow leaving Evelina stunned, her cheeks stinging. Tears pricked her eyes, but she refused to cry, determined not to give Claire the satisfaction.
"Don't you dare smile," Claire spat, her beautiful features twisted into a sneer. "How many times have I told you? It's hideous." Her fist tightened, trembling with barely controlled rage.
Every time Evelina smiled, it reminded Claire of Liana—Evelina's late mother, whom Claire despised with every fiber of her being.
"You're lucky you're not a child anymore, or I'd do worse," Claire hissed. "Remember your place. You are a servant, not a daughter. And you don't speak unless spoken to. Now, go and make my meal."
Claire released Evelina abruptly, stalking past her with a withering glare before leaving the room. Evelina watched her stepmother retreat, blinking back tears that slipped down her cheeks, her entire body shaking with the effort of holding back sobs. Maya's allowed to smile, but I'm not... She chuckled bitterly, hugging herself. A servant in my own house...
Taking a shaky breath, Evelina forced a small, defiant smile. "Well, then," she murmured, "I should go make her meal."
She straightened up, composing herself as she headed to the kitchen, pushing down the ache in her heart. There, she set to work, her hands steadying as she sliced, stirred, and plated the food with precision.
Why should I stay silent? she thought as she arranged the meal on a tray. Why let Claire and Father control my life?
Catching her reflection in the window, she smiled at herself—a gentle, reassuring smile that only she could see. It's okay. Everything has to go their way for now. It won't be for long.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, carried the tray back to the living room, and set it down beside Claire without a word, just as expected.
"You may leave," Claire said coldly.
Evelina hesitated. "You won't need me for now, right? I h—"
"Just follow orders," Claire snapped, cutting her off with a sharp look. "Obey, and you'll be treated nicely."
Evelina nodded curtly, swallowing her retort, and turned toward the door, her mind racing with the promise that this wouldn't be forever.
She left the house and decided to go see Liam.
When she arrived, she hesitated outside his front door, raising her hand to knock. 'I wonder if he's home. I haven't visited him in a while.' A trace of sadness crossed her face. 'I hope he isn't upset with me.'
But for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to knock. Just as she gathered the courage, the door creaked open on its own, startling her. She peered into the dimly lit entryway, puzzled. 'Why is his front door unlocked?'
Her gaze drifted to the foyer floor, where she saw Liam's shoes—and a pair of heels beside them. Her stomach twisted. The heels looked all too familiar.
"Is that…" she murmured, covering her mouth in disbelief. 'No, that can't be it… I should talk to him first,' she tried to reason, though her heart clenched with foreboding.
Evelina stepped inside, the door clicking softly shut behind her. The house was quiet, and as she glanced around the empty living room, a strange tingling ran down her spine. She moved cautiously, her footsteps nearly silent as she made her way to his bedroom.
A faint noise drifted through the slightly open door, intensifying with each step. Her pulse raced. She strained to listen, and the unmistakable sound of soft moans reached her ears—one of them a woman's.
Her stomach churned, and she froze in place, the scent in the air confirming her worst fears. 'No… please… no.' She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to take slow, careful steps forward, even as her mind screamed for her to turn away.