Chapter 23: The War Begins

Hope Confronts Victoria

Hope's fingers curled into fists as she marched into the Sinclair estate. Every step felt like a declaration of war. She was done playing defense.

Victoria was lounging in the living room, sipping from a crystal glass of wine. Her perfectly manicured fingers swirled the liquid lazily as if she hadn't just tried to ruin Hope's life.

"Hope, dear," Victoria said without looking up. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Hope threw a stack of printed emails onto the coffee table. The subject line was clear: Phase Two.

Victoria's expression remained calm, but Hope saw the flicker of recognition in her eyes.

"Where did you get these?" Victoria asked, taking another sip.

Hope stepped closer. "Does it matter? What matters is that I know what you did. You doctored those photos and sent them to the board."

Victoria sighed dramatically. "Oh, sweetheart, you really should be more careful about making accusations. Do you have proof?"

Hope's jaw tightened. "Yes. A full forensic analysis tracing the manipulation back to your private email."

Victoria finally placed her glass down and stood up. She took slow, deliberate steps toward Hope, her eyes gleaming with something dark.

"And what do you plan to do with that information?" Victoria whispered.

Hope held her ground. "Expose you."

Victoria smirked. "Go ahead. But think carefully, darling. If you go to Richard, what do you think will happen?"

Hope knew exactly what Victoria was getting at. Richard loved her, but Victoria was his wife. If this turned into a war, he would be caught in the middle.

Victoria leaned in. "You may have won this little round, but the game isn't over."

Hope's voice was steady. "No, Victoria. The game is just getting started."

Richard Starts to Doubt Nathan

Richard sat in his office, staring at his phone. The forensic report Hope had handed him lay open on his desk. The evidence was undeniable Victoria had been behind the doctored photos.

And yet… Nathan's name kept appearing in the messages.

A knock at the door made him look up. Nathan walked in, a practiced smile on his face.

"You wanted to see me?" Nathan asked.

Richard studied him carefully. "Hope presented evidence that the photos were fake."

Nathan's smile didn't waver. "And? You know how desperate she is to hold onto her place here."

Richard exhaled, leaning back. "Why did your name come up in the email drafts?"

Nathan's jaw tensed for just a fraction of a second a reaction most people wouldn't have noticed. But Richard did.

"Victoria probably used my name to divert suspicion," Nathan said smoothly.

Richard nodded slowly. But something about Nathan's response didn't sit right. For the first time, Richard wasn't sure if he could trust him.

And that was a dangerous realization.

Liam and Hope's Plan

Liam placed a folder on the table in front of Hope. "If Victoria is planning a 'Phase Two,' we need to be ready."

Hope opened the folder. "What is this?"

Liam's expression was serious. "A counterattack. You're not just going to prove your innocence you're going to take control."

Hope flipped through the pages. It was a strategy outline one that didn't just expose Victoria but also positioned Hope as a key player in the Sinclair empire.

She looked up at Liam, eyes filled with determination. "Let's do it."

Liam nodded. "This time, we're not playing defense. We're making the first move.

Victoria and Nathan's Next Step

Victoria sat across from Nathan in the dimly lit bar. "He's starting to doubt you," she said.

Nathan clenched his jaw. "I can handle Richard."

Victoria swirled her drink. "Can you? Because if Richard turns on you, you'll be out faster than you can blink."

Nathan's grip tightened on his glass. "Then we hit Hope harder. We make her look like a real threat to the company."

Victoria smiled. "I have just the idea."