Chapter 57

"Worthless girl!" Richard Sterling, Victoria's father, winced in pain as he coughed violently before lashing out at his daughter. "After all these years clinging to Nathan, what have you actually done for this family? Not a single asset secured, no marriage contract signed - it's clear he doesn't care about you at all! Giving birth to a daughter like you was nothing but a financial burden!"

Victoria's eyes burned with unshed tears. Her father had always favored sons over daughters. When Margaret was pregnant with Victoria, Richard had demanded an abortion upon learning the baby was female. Only the doctor's warning that termination would leave Margaret permanently infertile - combined with her mother's desperate pleas - had allowed Victoria to be born.

The consequence? After Victoria's birth, Margaret never conceived again. This sealed Richard's resentment toward his only daughter.

From childhood, Victoria lived in her brother Damian's shadow. Starved for attention, she'd attached herself to her aunt Penelope Whitmore. The young girl quickly shed her innocence, mastering manipulation as a survival skill. Her ambition? To earn her father's respect and become Crestview's most powerful woman.

Nathan Blackwood had been her first test subject at age eight.

Initially, Victoria had scorned Nathan's status as an illegitimate heir, setting her sights on his elder brother instead.

But Penelope advised using Nathan as practice. "Even if he's not your ultimate target," her aunt had purred, "having a wealthy boy as your devoted follower never hurts."

Thus, Penelope orchestrated Victoria's role as Nathan's savior - the radiant light in his darkest hour. This carefully crafted illusion became the foundation of Nathan's obsession.

Though Victoria's connection to Nathan brought the Sterling family countless benefits, Richard still treated her as a disposable pawn. One misstep, and she became "useless" in his eyes.

Bitter hatred twisted Victoria's features. Let Damian rot in prison, she thought viciously. Then Sterling Corporation will be mine - even if it's just an empty shell by then!

"Enough, Richard!" Margaret rushed to embrace her daughter while glaring at her husband. "How can you blame Victoria when Nathan refuses to help? This is your fault for spoiling Damian into thinking rules don't apply to him! Typical - men always take their failures out on women!"

Richard clenched his fists, barely restraining his temper. He couldn't forget that Margaret's sister was married to Leonard Blackwood - a connection too valuable to jeopardize.

"Our immediate priorities," he ground out, "are restoring the company's reputation and finalizing Victoria's wedding date with Nathan."

Margaret's expression darkened at the mention of Nathan's refusal. "If persuasion fails," she said coldly, "get pregnant. Once you're carrying a Blackwood heir, they'll have no choice but to accept you."

"Mother!" Victoria panicked, pressing a hand to her abdomen.

Margaret sighed, remembering the stubborn stretch marks marring her daughter's stomach. "If the treatments don't work, cover them with tattoos. It's the quickest solution."

Victoria recoiled at the idea. Maintaining her pristine image was crucial - random tattoos didn't fit her carefully cultivated persona.

Yet after multiple laser treatments, the marks remained visible. If they didn't fade before the wedding, she might have no other choice.

Just then, servants descended the stairs carrying Victoria's belongings.

"Madam, we've packed everything."

"Mother! Those are my jewelry cases! Where are you taking them?"

"To be sold."

"What?! No! Those are my prized collections!"

Victoria lunged for the most valuable box - the one containing "Crimson Promise," a ruby pendant Nathan had commissioned as a love token. He'd flown to Belvaux three times, staying over two weeks to personally oversee its creation by a master jeweler.

Though Victoria didn't know its exact worth, such a flawless ruby was priceless - easily valued in seven figures. Nathan had always been extravagantly generous.

"The company needs liquidity," Margaret said firmly. "Selling our jewelry can keep us afloat. There's a charity auction in two weeks - our attendance will help rehabilitate our image. Plus, it's Reginald Blackwood's birthday soon. We'll purchase his gift there - two objectives achieved at once!"

Her gaze softened slightly as she added, "Once you marry Nathan, he'll shower you with jewels. Don't sacrifice the greater prize for temporary losses. You'll be the future Lady Blackwood - our only hope now that Damian's useless to us!"

Victoria hesitated painfully before finally, reluctantly, surrendering the jewelry box.