The morning was unusually quiet in the estate, but the tension in the air was undeniable. Victoria stood in the grand hall, surrounded by members of the family and a few loyal staff. Her once confident demeanor was shaken, but she kept her head high, unwilling to show weakness.
Amelia entered the room, flanked by Lucas and Martin. The evidence they had gathered against Victoria was damning. It wasn't just about her schemes or her manipulations—Victoria had crossed lines that endangered the family, and her betrayal could no longer be ignored.
Amelia stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with anger. "Victoria, you've pushed this family to the brink. Your actions have put lives at risk, and now, you'll face the consequences."
Victoria smirked, though it lacked her usual confidence. "Consequences? For protecting this family in my way? Everything I did was to ensure we stayed on top."
Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Don't twist your motives. You put your ambition above everyone else. You've betrayed us time and time again."
Victoria turned to him, her eyes pleading for a moment. "Lucas, you know me. I've always been a fighter. I did what was necessary to survive."
"Surviving and destroying others are two different things," Lucas replied coldly.
Martin cleared his throat, stepping into the tense silence. "We've decided, Victoria. The council met, and the vote was unanimous. You're to leave the estate and the family business immediately. Your actions have cost you the right to be part of this legacy."
Victoria's face turned pale. "You're exiling me? I built so much of what this family has today. You can't erase me like this."
Amelia held her ground. "This isn't about erasing you. It's about protecting the family. You've become a threat to all of us."
For the first time, Victoria's bravado cracked. "And where am I supposed to go? What am I supposed to do? You're throwing me to the wolves."
Amelia softened, just slightly. "This is your chance to start over, Victoria. Take what you've learned and build something new. But you can't stay here. Not after what you've done."
Lucas handed her a small envelope. "This is enough money to get you started. We're not heartless, but we can't allow you to stay and wreak more havoc."
Victoria's hand shook as she took the envelope. She glanced around the room, her gaze lingering on the people she had once controlled with ease. They all looked away, their trust in her shattered.
Hours later, Victoria's bags were packed, and her car waited outside the estate gates. She stood on the steps, taking one last look at the home she had fought so hard to control.
Amelia joined her, her expression unreadable. "Goodbye, Victoria. I hope you find peace wherever you go."
Victoria smirked bitterly. "Peace? That's not in my nature, Amelia. But don't think this is the end. You've made a powerful enemy today."
Amelia didn't flinch. "If you come back to harm this family, we'll be ready."
Victoria stepped into the car without another word, and the vehicle disappeared down the long driveway.
Back inside the estate, the atmosphere was tense but lighter. The family gathered in the sitting room, trying to process what had just happened.
Lucas poured himself a drink and turned to Amelia. "Do you think she'll stay away?"
Amelia sighed. "I don't know. Victoria isn't the type to let go easily. But for now, we have to focus on the family and the threats still looming over us."
Martin nodded. "We've removed one problem, but there's still so much to deal with. Michael, the media, the rivals... it's far from over."
Later that night, Amelia sat in her study, going through documents. The quiet was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Lucas entered, his expression serious.
"We need to talk," he said, holding out a small black envelope.
Amelia frowned as she took the envelope, her fingers trembling slightly. She opened it and pulled out a single sheet of paper.
The message was typed, but the words sent chills down her spine:
"You may have exiled Victoria, but you'll never escape the shadow she cast. The storm isn't over—it's just beginning."
Lucas leaned closer, his voice low. "Whoever sent this knows what they're doing. It's a warning, Amelia."
Amelia's jaw tightened. "Then we need to prepare for whatever comes next. Because I won't let anyone destroy what we've built."
But as she looked out the window, her mind raced with questions. Who was behind the message? Was Victoria already plotting her return, or was there a new enemy waiting in the wings?
The shadows outside seemed to grow darker, as if the estate itself knew the peace was only temporary.
To Be Continued...