Chapter 1 The Return

Black had transformed into my shield, my safeguard, my core identity. While I straightened my

blazer before the mirror, I took a calming breath. Today was the moment. I was no longer the

innocent, obedient girl who thought that love and kindness could solve all problems. That girl

had passed away five years prior, broken by treachery and grief.

Currently, I am Victoria Dantes. A name that inspired respect, murmured softly wherever I went.

The world may have broken me, yet I returned-more powerful.

A knock at the door broke my concentration. I stood up straight, giving my appearance one last

look before saying, "Come in."

Ethan, my assistant, entered. His deep-set eyes looked me over for an instant before he offered

a small nod. "The vehicle is prepared, madam."

I nodded and grinned, although there was no sincerity in it. "Let's get going, then."

The journey to the company was peaceful, punctuated only by the engine's hum and Ethan's

occasional attempts at chitchat. I didn't reply, far too absorbed in my reflections. My mother-in-law, the sole person who had genuinely backed me, made it certain I was ready for this

moment. Everything was coming together. This was my moment.

The vehicle halted gently, and Ethan exited first, looking around for any potential dangers. He

held the door open for me, and I walked onto the chilly marble floor, my heels striking crisply in

the otherwise quiet surroundings.

Inside, the boardroom doors stood wide open, and the conversation within ceased abruptly as I

entered. Everyone's gaze was directed at me-anxiety, unease, and, in one section, a hint of

what I could nearly identify as respect. I remained upright, allowing the quiet to linger in the

atmosphere.

I spotted my father-in-law at the far side of the table. His lips twisted into a somewhat smug grin,

but a flicker of uncertainty sparkled in his eyes. He wasn't acquainted with this aspect of me.

Nobody else was either.

"Are we ready to start?" I inquired, maintaining a calm and steady tone as I settled into my chair

at the table. From the look on their faces, they were not expecting their largest share to be own

by a young lady like me.

My father-in-law coughed gently. "Sure. Now, let's proceed to the forecasts for the upcoming

quarter."

I maintained my focus, overlooking the slight change in his stance. He was not accustomed to

facing challenges. It was time for him to realize the rules had shifted.

I spoke to the board, detailing the company's future actions with clarity. I was aware they

anticipated I would stumble, to err, yet they misjudged me. I had gained wisdom from my

experiences, and now I was invincible.

Midway through the meeting, my father-in-law attempted to interrupt with a question on resource

distribution, trying to sidetrack my presentation. His tone was saturated with disdain, yet I

remained unaffected.

"Honestly," I stated, elevating my tone slightly to capture everyone's focus, "I've already

considered the possible challenges. By examining the numbers on the fifth page of the report,

you'll notice that we have contingency strategies established."

He blinked, evidently taken aback, and looked down at the documents before him. "Ah, indeed.

Clearly, you have given this some consideration."

"Naturally," I responded effortlessly. "Unlike others, I always remember the specifics."

The other board members fidgeted uneasily, yet I sensed their respect increasing. I was no

longer the girl they could overlook. I am Victoria Dantès.

The meeting went on, but I wasn't fully focused on the figures. My gaze continually wandered to

a single individual. Williams. The man who used to mean everything to me. His eyes stayed

locked on me, inscrutable. Yet there was something-something present. Could it be guilt?

Regret?

As the meeting began to end, I stood up, collecting my documents.

"Thanks to all of you. Let's meet again next week." I spoke, facing the door.

However, when I approached the doorway, a hand suddenly emerged and seized my arm.

I stopped moving. Williams.

His touch was shocking, a reminder of the history I had concealed. I brushed it off swiftly,

maintaining my composure. "Do you need anything or have anything to say Mr. Blackwell?" I

asked, my tone icy.

"Victoria," he spoke gently, his voice nearly filled with awe, "Your voice... it resembles the voice

of someone from my past." His gaze penetrated mine with a fervor that sent a chill through my

body. "You bring to mind someone... someone truly precious."

I lifted an eyebrow, a faint smile curling my lips. "Then go find her," I said bluntly, freeing my arm

from his hold.

For an instant, I believed I noticed a glimmer of something-remorse?-in his gaze, but I didn't

linger long enough to explore. I stepped outside without saying anything else.

That evening, my mother-in-law welcomed me with a friendly smile as I walked into our house.

She sat in her beloved chair, holding a glass of wine, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"How did it turn out?" she inquired, placing the glass down.

I let out a sigh, settling into the chair opposite her. "It happened as anticipated. My father-in-law

attempted to provoke me, but I managed it."

She laughed gently. "Certainly you did. They're likely all feeling frightened at this moment."

I grinned. "That's the concept."

She observed me for a while, then agreed. "Alright. However, remember-this is just the

beginning. You have larger challenges ahead of you."

I rose from my seat and headed towards the stairs to prepare for the evening event The

Blackwell hosted for me as their biggest Investor who just arrived. The black diamond dress I

chose sparkled under the lights as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Severe. Guarantee.

Invincible.

While I descended the magnificent staircase, all eyes were on me. The space descended into a

soft buzz. There were murmurs, yet I wasn't paying attention. I was focused on just one

individual-Emma. My sister, whom I hadn't encountered in years.

Her presence struck me like a blow to the gut. She had developed. Altered. I made myself

concentrate.

Then my gaze fixed on him-Williams. He was positioned at the other end of the room,

chuckling at something my closest friend had mentioned.

I inched forward, observing the crowd when something drew my attention.

A small child.

I inhaled sharply. Westley.

My heart came to a halt. The baby I had given birth to in a frigid, dim jail. The child was removed

from my care. There he stood, directly in front of me. His gaze-his gaze belonged to me.

Those identical eyes.

I wobbled, the world whirling around me.

"Ethan!" I murmured. He grabbed my arm right as my knees gave way.

While my bodyguards guided me to the restroom, I struggled to think, my mind whirling with the

sight of my son-my son, beside my closest friend, as though he was now hers.

In the restroom, I gathered my composure in front of the mirror. My breathing was light, my

hands shaking. I fixed my diamond necklace and adjusted my dress, trying to push aside the

feelings that were about to overwhelm me.

"Pull yourself together," I whispered under my breath. You are Victoria Dantes.

I came back to the gathering with a refreshed sense of direction. The atmosphere became quiet

when I walked in, my heels the sole noise disrupting the stillness. I navigated through the crowd,

nodding to everyone with a relaxed smile.

Yet I didn't take my eyes off Williams. His gaze trailed after me, ensnared in a wordless

struggle.

After that, I noticed her. Bella, my closest friend who deceived me and got married to my

husband. She stood next to him, her hand resting on his arm. And next to them, my son.

Westley.

Then my gaze returned to my sister Emma.

Emma glanced my way, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her hand darted to her chest.

"I knew it," she exclaimed, her voice shaking with astonishment. "I always believed you were still

alive! I was aware of it!"

Her finger was directed right at me. "She is alive! My sister is alive!"

My heart raced; I knew my sister would still recognize me, even with the plastic surgery I

underwent to alter my looks. I noticed the sorrow in her gaze, but I refuse to allow her to spoil

my intentions; they must suffer!

The room exploded into disorder. All eyes were on me. Williams appeared as if he had been hit.

My father-in-law's jaw stiffened, yet his expression revealed nothing.

I remained in that spot, sensing the burden of their gazes. The strain was overwhelming, yet I

remained steadfast.

The crowd was observing now. And I was prepared to show them.