Chapter 14: The Final Gambit

Victoria's Desperate Last Move

Victoria sat in her private lounge, swirling a glass of wine, watching the news reports unravel her empire. Every major media outlet was exposing her illegal dealings, manipulation, and the truth about her schemes.

She refused to let Hope win.

With a deep breath, she picked up her phone and dialed a number. "We need to change the narrative," she said smoothly.

Her assistant hesitated. "How?"

Victoria smiled. "Simple. We turn Hope into the villain."

Within hours, the internet was flooded with false accusations against Hope. Leaked "documents" painted her as an ungrateful opportunist who had betrayed the family. Carefully edited videos distorted the truth, making it seem as if Hope had manipulated Richard for money and power.

Public opinion shifted fast. Suddenly, Hope wasn't the victim she was the schemer.

And just like that, Victoria had flipped the game.

Hope Faces an Unexpected Betrayal

Hope stared at her phone in disbelief as headlines spread lies about her.

"HOPE THOMPSON: THE GIRL WHO TOOK EVERYTHING!"

"INSIDERS REVEAL HOPE'S TRUE INTENTIONS A FRAUD OR A MISTAKE?"

Tears burned her eyes. "How is this happening?"

Liam clenched his jaw. "Victoria. She's spinning the story against you."

Before Hope could respond, Richard's voice called from the doorway. "Hope, we need to talk."

She turned, relief washing over her until she saw his expression.

"I need you to step back from the company," Richard said slowly. "At least until this settles."

Hope's heart sank. "You think I did this?"

Richard sighed. "It's not about what I think. It's about perception. The board is demanding it."

Hope's throat tightened. After everything, he was choosing them over her?

"You're listening to them?" she whispered.

Richard looked away. "It's complicated."

Hope's chest ached. She had fought so hard for this family, and now they were pushing her out?

Betrayal burned through her veins.

Victoria's plan was working.

A Shocking Twist That Changes Everything

Just as Hope was about to walk away, a voice rang from behind.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

They all turned.

It was Victoria.

Dressed impeccably, she stood at the doorway, exuding confidence.

Hope stiffened. "What do you want?"

Victoria smirked. "To offer you a deal."

Liam stepped in front of Hope protectively, but she raised a hand. "I don't want anything from you."

Victoria's eyes glinted. "Are you sure? Because if you walk away now, you'll lose everything."

Hope clenched her fists. "You already ruined my name. What more do you want?"

Victoria stepped closer. "Let me win. Let the world believe I'm still in control, and in return… I'll make all of this disappear. The accusations, the media storm everything."

Hope's breath caught.

If she agreed, her life would go back to normal. No more attacks. No more lies.

But she would be letting Victoria win.

Richard and Liam watched her closely, waiting for her response.

Hope lifted her chin. "No deal."

Victoria's smirk faltered.

Hope's voice was steady. "I won't be bullied into silence."

For the first time, a flicker of uncertainty crossed Victoria's face.

Hope had just made the boldest move yet.

And this time, she wasn't backing down.