Chapter 3: The Final Play
The next morning, the sun rose over the estate, casting long, sharp shadows across the lawn. A black moving van was parked in the driveway. Two security guards stood by the front entrance, ensuring Victoria took nothing that didn't belong to her.
Victoria walked down the grand staircase, carrying only a single leather suitcase. Her pride was the only thing she had left, and she wore it like armor. Marcus stood at the bottom of the stairs, his arms crossed. Elena stood a few steps behind him, pale but standing tall, holding Leo’s hand.
Victoria stopped on the final step, looking directly at Elena. "You think you won, don't you? You think you can take my place?"
"I don't want your place, Victoria," Elena said, her voice steady and clear. "I just want my family. Something you never understood."
Victoria sneered, turning her gaze to Marcus. "You’ll regret this, Marcus. Blood is thicker than water."
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"You proved yesterday that water can be deadly, Mother," Marcus replied. "Goodbye."
With a sharp turn of her heel, Victoria marched out of the front doors. The heavy oak doors clicked shut behind her, the sound signaling the definitive end of her reign.
