Hope barely had time to process the truth before she felt the storm approaching.
Victoria's piercing gaze followed her as she walked into the dining room. There was something different about the way she looked at Hope now like a predator circling its prey.
Had she found out?
Hope's hands trembled as she reached for her glass of water, trying to steady herself.
Richard sat at the head of the table, reading the newspaper as if nothing had changed. But everything had changed.
Then, Victoria spoke.
"You look pale this morning, Hope. Didn't sleep well?"
Hope met her eyes, forcing herself to stay calm. "I was just thinking about the art competition."
Victoria's lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it.
"Oh yes. I heard about your little painting," she said, her tone dripping with condescension. "But don't let it distract you from more… important matters."
Hope swallowed. She knew Victoria wasn't just talking about the competition.
She was warning her.
And that meant only one thing Victoria knew the truth.
Hope's Fight to Stay Strong
At school, Hope tried to push the fear aside and focus on her painting.
Ms. Reynolds had submitted her work to the competition, and now all she had to do was wait for the results.
But it wasn't just about winning anymore.
This was her chance to prove she was more than an outsider, more than someone Victoria could push around.
As she worked on a new piece in the studio, Liam appeared at the doorway.
"You okay?" he asked.
Hope hesitated, then nodded. "Just… a lot on my mind."
Liam leaned against the wall, studying her. "If this is about Victoria, you don't have to handle it alone."
Hope tensed. How much did he know?
"I can take care of myself," she said quickly.
Liam sighed. "You don't always have to."
Hope wanted to believe him. But trusting people had never been easy.
Victoria's Move
That night, Hope returned home to find Victoria waiting for her in the study.
"Sit down," Victoria ordered.
Hope's heartbeat thundered. She wanted to run, but she refused to show fear.
Slowly, she took a seat across from Victoria.
The older woman placed a file on the desk and slid it toward her.
Hope's breath hitched.
It was her birth certificate.
"I knew Richard had a soft spot for you," Victoria said, her voice calm but deadly. "But I never imagined this."
Hope clenched her fists. "And what are you going to do about it?"
Victoria chuckled. "Oh, darling. You're smart, but not smart enough."
She leaned forward, eyes dark with amusement. "Richard has a will. And guess whose name is conveniently missing?"
Hope's stomach twisted.
Victoria smirked. "That's right. Yours."
She sat back, crossing her legs. "You may be his blood, but as far as the law is concerned, you're nobody. And if you think I'm going to let you change that, you're even more foolish than I thought."
Hope's fingers dug into her palms. She wouldn't let Victoria win.
"You don't scare me," she whispered.
Victoria's smile widened. "Then you're not paying attention."
She stood up gracefully and smoothed her dress.
"I suggest you drop this ridiculous idea of belonging here," she said. "Otherwise, I'll make sure you lose far more than just a competition."
Hope glared at her, fire burning in her chest.
Victoria thought she could control her? Destroy her?
No.
Hope was done being a victim.
She would fight.
For her place. For her father. For herself.
And this time, she wouldn't lose.