Chapter 143

Evelyn's tear-streaked face lifted as she spoke in a broken voice. "Victoria, I've been nothing but kind to you. I made you my assistant and even paid you a month's salary in advance. Name one other assistant who gets that kind of treatment!"

Her sobs grew louder, raw with betrayal. "Why would you destroy my career like this?"

Gabrielle rushed to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Don't cry, Evelyn. Your father and I know how devastated you are. Victoria ruined everything because she envied you, but we're family. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive her? Maybe it wasn't intentional."

The words only fueled Gregory's rage. His glare burned into Victoria. "Look at this! Look how generously Gabrielle treats you, still begging Evelyn to forgive you! And what have you done in return?"

Victoria's lips curled into a bitter smile.

Gregory's grip tightened on the broom, trembling with the urge to strike. But something stopped him. With a frustrated growl, he threw it aside. "I won't hit you today. Pack your things and go back to the countryside. Never show your face here again! I'm giving Evelyn your dowry and inheritance as compensation!"

As he spoke, Victoria caught the triumphant glance exchanged between Gabrielle and Evelyn—cold, calculating smirks hidden behind false tears.

The truth was simple: Nathaniel Grayson and his associates would never have funded Vincent Blackwood's project, tea spill or not. Evelyn knew that. But she'd seized the opportunity to exile Victoria, stripping her of any claim to the family fortune.

From the beginning, Evelyn and Gabrielle's goal had been clear—cut Victoria out completely.

Victoria had never wanted their wealth. It meant nothing to her. But she refused to let them win.

Years of cruelty, the lies about her mother—Gabrielle had painted her as the other woman, twisting the truth into something ugly.

Victoria would never forgive them.

She met Gregory's gaze, voice steady. "Father, what if I can undo Evelyn's losses? Would you let me stay?"

Gregory blinked. "What did you say?"

Gabrielle scoffed, amusement dripping from her tone.

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Empty words, Victoria. How exactly do you plan to fix this? Do you have millions to invest in Vincent Blackwood's film?"

Victoria shook her head. "No, I don't have that kind of money."

Evelyn sneered. "Then what's your brilliant solution? Mom, Dad, why are we even entertaining this nonsense?"

Gregory's frown deepened, impatience flashing in his eyes.

Victoria tilted her chin up. "I don't have the money. But I know someone who does."