dunamis21

Hope Calloway was just a little girl when billionaire Richard Calloway found her abandoned at a church. Clinging to his leg, she melted his heart, and without hesitation, he took her home and adopted her as his own. For years, she lived in a world of love and privilege, embraced by her new family.

But happiness is fragile.

As Hope grows older, Richard’s wife, Victoria, begins to see her as a threat an outsider who doesn’t belong. The once loving home turns into a silent battlefield, with Victoria pulling every string to make Hope’s life unbearable. But Hope refuses to break.

When whispers of a hidden inheritance and a buried family secret surface, the battle for her place in the Calloway family escalates. Hope fights not only for her right to stay but also for the truth about her past. When she discovers that Victoria might have played a role in her mother’s disappearance, her mission changes this is no longer just about belonging. It’s about justice.

With betrayal lurking at every corner, Hope must decide: Will she rise above the pain, or will she let life’s cruel bite consume her?

When Life Bites

A Dangerous Reunion

Hope stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sinclair Enterprises, staring at the city below. She had barely slept after Nathan's call, her mind racing with memories she had fought so hard to bury.

Her heart was no longer fragile, but Nathan knew exactly how to dig into old wounds.

The elevator chimed behind her. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

His voice was smooth, taunting. "You look good, Hope."

She turned slowly, keeping her expression blank.

Nathan Sinclair stood before her, dressed in a dark, tailored suit that screamed confidence.

His presence alone sent a ripple of tension through the room.

Hope crossed her arms. "I don't remember inviting you here."

Nathan smirked. "Do I need an invitation? This is my family's company, after all."

Hope's jaw tightened. "Don't play games with me, Nathan."

He chuckled, stepping closer. "Oh, come on, Hope. No 'How have you been?' No 'Nice to see you again?'"

She clenched her fists. "I have nothing to say to you."

Nathan tilted his head, studying her. "That's funny, because I have plenty to say to you. Like how much I've missed you."

Hope let out a sharp laugh. "You must think I'm stupid."

Nathan leaned in slightly. "No, I think you're still the same girl who once believed in me."

Hope's stomach twisted. He was trying to get under her skin, but she refused to let him win.

She stepped back. "Whatever game you and Victoria are playing, I'm not a part of it."

Nathan's smirk didn't falter. "Oh, but you are. Whether you like it or not."

Hope's voice hardened. "You don't control me anymore."

Nathan's expression darkened just a fraction. "We'll see about that."

And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving behind the unmistakable scent of trouble.

Liam's Growing Suspicion

That evening, Liam found Hope in the mansion's library, staring blankly at an open book.

"You're thinking about him," Liam said quietly.

Hope's fingers tightened around the pages. "No, I'm thinking about how to stop him."

Liam sat beside her, his gaze unreadable. "Are you sure? Because when I saw you with him today, you looked… different."

Hope turned to him sharply. "I don't love him, Liam."

Liam held her gaze. "Maybe not. But part of you is still affected by him."

Hope swallowed. "I won't let him get to me."

Liam exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't trust him, Hope. And I don't like how he looks at you."

She reached for his hand. "I won't fall for him again."

Liam squeezed her hand gently. "I believe you. But I don't believe him."

Victoria and Nathan's Trap

Meanwhile, at the Sinclair estate, Victoria swirled her wine glass as Nathan leaned against the fireplace.

"She's resisting," he admitted, a flicker of annoyance in his voice.

Victoria smirked. "Of course she is. That's why you have to be patient."

Nathan scoffed. "I don't do patience."

Victoria's eyes gleamed. "Then let's speed things up."

She pulled out an envelope and slid it across the table.

Nathan opened it, his smirk returning. "Well, well."

Victoria leaned back. "This is the final piece of her destruction. Use it wisely."

The next day, Hope arrived at work to find a sealed manila envelope on her desk.

No name. No sender. Just a message written on the front:

Her pulse quickened as she slowly opened it only to feel the air leave her lungs.

Inside were photos, photos of her and Nathan from years ago, but they had been edited.

It looked like she was the one who betrayed Richard. Like she was the one who worked with Nathan to steal from the family.

Her stomach twisted. This was bad.

Before she could react, the door burst open.

Richard stood there, his face unreadable.

Behind him? The board of Sinclair Enterprises.

One of the members held up the photos. "Care to explain this, Miss Hope?"

Hope's heart pounded. Victoria and Nathan had just declared war.

Chapter 21: Nathan’s First Move