I spat the words out with as much venom as I could muster, “I didn’t do it for reward, Luca. I did it because I trusted you. I trusted the family. But look where that got me. I handed over my father’s legacy, his empire, for two years. And now, you’re telling me I don’t even deserve a place here?”
Luca's eyes narrowed, and he glared at me as if I were the enemy, the traitor. "What more do you want, Victoria?" he hissed. "I’ve already thanked you for taking the blame. But this house is under my name now, and Celestia's pregnant."
"There’s no room for you. You need to get out. We can’t keep supporting someone who won’t pull their weight."
The sting of his words was sharp. All my sacrifices, my loyalty, my pain, and for what? A thank you? A thank you that wasn’t even genuine?
Within seconds, Gracia joined in, her voice cold as stone. "Victoria, you’re not some princess in this family. A woman’s purpose is to marry well, have children, and stay in her place. You’re nothing but an ex-convict now. No one will want you. Your past is too stained. If we let you stay here, it’s out of mercy. Don't push it."
Celestia stood beside her, and added further, “You’ll always be poor. After everything you’ve done, there’s no coming back. You’ll drain us dry if we let you stay.”
Each word felt like a slap to my face. "I've no place to go," I whispered.
"You aren't understanding, Victoria." Luca paused. "We don't owe you anything. Moreover, I am done. Move out, or I’ll make you move out." His eyes were cold, the same icy blue that had once been full of brotherly affection, now filled with venom.
There was a gun in his hand. Within seconds, he pointed it at my head.
His finger hovering dangerously near the trigger. The gun glinted in the light. The sight sent a chill down my spine.
"You won't," I whispered, though I wasn’t sure if I was asking or daring him.
"Dare me."
