Hope's New Reality
Hope sat in her room, staring at the documents Richard had handed her. It was official she was now part of the will.
She should have felt victorious. She should have felt safe.
But deep down, she knew Victoria wasn't done.
A soft knock on the door made her look up.
Liam stepped inside, his face unreadable. "It's all over the news. You won."
Hope sighed, setting the papers down. "Winning against Victoria isn't that simple. She doesn't accept defeat."
Liam leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "So what now?"
Hope's fingers curled around the edges of the document. "Now, I prepare for whatever she's planning next."
Because Victoria would strike back.
And this time, she wouldn't hold back.
Victoria's Secret Meeting
Victoria paced in a dimly lit restaurant, her designer heels clicking against the floor. Across from her sat Ethan Caldwell, a ruthless businessman and Richard's biggest rival.
Ethan smirked. "So, you finally admit you need help."
Victoria glared. "I don't need help. I need revenge."
Ethan leaned back. "And why should I care?"
Victoria pulled out a folder and slid it across the table. Ethan opened it and his smirk vanished.
Inside were financial records that could ruin Richard's empire.
Victoria's voice was cold. "Richard betrayed me. I want him to suffer."
Ethan chuckled. "And what do I get?"
Victoria leaned forward, her eyes dark. "Help me destroy Hope Thompson, and I'll make sure Richard's business falls right into your hands."
Ethan studied her for a moment, then extended his hand.
"Deal."
The Betrayal Begins
The next morning, Hope woke up to chaos.
Her phone buzzed nonstop. Messages. Calls. News alerts.
She opened one article and froze.
BREAKING NEWS: Hope Thompson Exposed for Manipulating Richard Sinclair's Will!
Her breath caught. The article was filled with fake emails and fabricated documents, all making it seem like she had forced Richard to rewrite his will.
Hope's hands trembled. Victoria.
A knock sounded at her door.
It was Richard.
His face was grave. "We need to talk."
The Ultimate Test
In the living room, Richard placed a folder on the table. "The board is demanding an investigation. If we don't act fast, they'll try to remove you from the will."
Hope's throat tightened. "This is Victoria's doing."
Richard sighed. "I know. But this… this will damage us. The public believes it."
Hope felt the weight of the moment.
If she didn't fight back, Victoria would win.
Hope straightened. "Then we fight."
Richard's eyes searched hers. Proud.
"Then let's end this."