Winning the debate felt like a victory, but Hope knew it was only the beginning.
People at school looked at her differently now. Some with curiosity, others with newfound respect.
Even Natalie hadn't tried anything yet.
But Hope had learned something about people like Natalie and Victoria.
They didn't like losing.
And they never stayed quiet for long.
A False Peace
At breakfast, Richard was in high spirits.
"I was just telling my business partners about your debate win," he said, smiling at Hope. "They were impressed."
Hope's heart swelled. "Thank you, Dad."
Victoria's spoon clinked against her plate. "Yes, well, let's not get ahead of ourselves," she said with a tight smile. "One little debate doesn't change everything."
Richard barely noticed her tone. "Nonsense. It shows she belongs here."
Hope saw the flicker of irritation in Victoria's eyes.
This wasn't over.
Natalie's Revenge
By lunchtime, Hope realized she had been right about Natalie.
As she walked into the cafeteria, whispers rippled through the crowd.
Then she saw it.
On the big screen in the common area, a video played.
A video of Hope years ago standing in front of an old orphanage, wearing oversized clothes, looking lost and alone.
A voiceover played: "From rags to riches… but will she ever truly fit in?"
Laughter erupted.
Hope's stomach twisted.
Natalie stood nearby, smirking. "Just a little reminder, Hope," she said. "You can dress the part, but you'll never be one of us."
Hope's hands clenched. The humiliation burned.
But she wouldn't give Natalie the reaction she wanted.
Hope lifted her chin. "At least I didn't have to be born rich to matter," she said calmly.
Natalie's smirk faltered.
Before she could respond, Jake stepped beside Hope. "Nice try, Natalie. But all you proved is that Hope had a harder life than you and still beat you."
A few students chuckled.
Natalie's face turned red. "Whatever." She stormed off.
Hope exhaled slowly.
She wouldn't let them break her.
Not now. Not ever.
Victoria's Trap
That evening, Hope returned home, exhausted but determined.
She had barely stepped inside when Victoria's voice called, "Hope, come to my study."
Hope hesitated. She had been expecting something like this.
Inside, Victoria sat at her desk, swirling a glass of wine. "That little stunt today," she began, "was humiliating."
Hope frowned. "I didn't do anything."
"Oh, but you did." Victoria's voice was sharp. "Richard is convinced you belong here, and now so are others. That's dangerous."
Hope's heart pounded. "Dangerous for who?"
Victoria smiled coldly. "You're getting too comfortable, dear. And comfort makes people greedy."
She slid a piece of paper across the desk. "Sign this."
Hope picked it up.
It was an agreement stating that she would never make a claim to the Calloway inheritance.
Her hands shook.
"You think I care about the money?" she asked, voice tight.
Victoria leaned forward. "You should. Because as long as you're here, people will wonder if Richard plans to put you in his will."
Hope clenched her fists.
"I don't want his money," she said through gritted teeth.
Victoria smirked. "Then it shouldn't be hard to sign."
Hope's mind raced. If she refused, Victoria would tell Richard she was after the inheritance. But if she signed, she would be surrendering to Victoria's control.
No.
She wouldn't let Victoria win.
Hope slowly placed the paper back on the desk.
"I don't need to prove anything to you," she said quietly. "And I don't take orders from you."
Then she turned and walked away.
Victoria's cold laughter followed her.
But Hope didn't stop.
She wasn't going to break.
Not today.
Not ever.