The argument between the two women attracted curious glances from passers-by. Olivia, usually reserved, felt an uncommon courage growing within her. She pulled away from Victoria’s grip and took a determined step toward the street.
They are human beings, Victoria. They deserve compassion, not judgment, Olivia declared, her voice gaining strength. Victoria grabbed Olivia’s arm again, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her stepdaughter’s skin.
You don’t understand how the world works, dear. These people chose this lifestyle. It’s not our responsibility to save them, Victoria argued, her tone condescending.
Chose? No one chooses to go hungry or live on the streets. How can you be so blind, Olivia countered, tears of frustration glistening in her eyes. Determined, Olivia managed to break free once more.
Before Victoria could stop her, she quickly crossed the street, approaching Ethan and his companions. With trembling hands, Olivia pulled out some bills from her purse. Please, take this.
I hope it can help in some way, she said, extending the money to Ethan. The young man looked at Olivia, surprised and touched by the gesture. Their eyes met for a brief moment, a silent connection passing between them.
Thank you, miss. Your kindness means more than you can imagine, Ethan responded, his voice hoarse with emotion. It’s nothing, really.
I just wish I could do more, Olivia murmured, feeling both relieved and powerless in the face of their situation. Victoria watched the scene from a distance, her face a mix of fury and something else. Calculation.
Her grey eyes narrowed, focusing on Ethan. There was something about him, something that went beyond his worn appearance. A plan began to form in her mind, a plan that could solve several of her problems at once.
Olivia returned to the sidewalk, bracing herself for the inevitable confrontation with her stepmother. To her surprise, Victoria didn’t yell or reprimand her immediately. Instead, a cold smile formed on her lips.
Well, since you insist on mingling with these people, perhaps I should teach you a lesson about them, don’t you think? Victoria suggested, her tone dripping with sarcasm. What are you planning, Victoria? Olivia questioned, suddenly apprehensive about her stepmother’s change in attitude. As the two women walked away, Victoria cast one last look at Ethan.
Her eyes gleamed with a cold determination, an idea clearly taking shape in her calculating mind. Olivia, still confused by Victoria’s sudden change in behaviour, didn’t notice the look. She was lost in her own thoughts, replaying the brief encounter with Ethan.
There was something about him, a dignity and kindness that stood in stark contrast to his precarious situation. That young man. There’s something different about him, don’t you think? Victoria commented casually, her voice carrying an interest that sent a chill down Olivia’s spine.
Why the sudden interest, Victoria? Just a few minutes ago, you wanted me to ignore him completely, Olivia responded, unable to hide the suspicion in her voice. When they arrived at the mansion, Victoria stormed through the door, her heels echoing through the marble entry hall. Olivia followed in silence, still unsettled by the events of the afternoon.
Robert, alerted by the turbulent arrival, emerged from his office, his brow furrowed with concern. Victoria wasted no time on pleasantries. Robert, your daughter is out of control.
Today she almost mingled with beggars on the street. Beggars. Her voice echoed off the walls, laden with indignation.
Robert looked from Victoria to Olivia, his face a mixture of confusion and disappointment. Olivia, is this true? he asked, his voice weary. Father, I was just trying to help someone in need.
I don’t see how that could be wrong, Olivia replied, her voice trembling slightly but firm in her conviction. Victoria grabbed Robert’s arm, dragging him into the office and closing the door, leaving Olivia outside. The muffled sound of their argument seeped through the solid wood.
Don’t you see the danger here, Robert? She’s ruining our reputation by associating with the scum of society. Victoria gestured furiously, her eyes flashing. Robert sank into his leather chair, running his hand over his face in a gesture of exhaustion.
Victoria, she has a good heart. We can’t condemn her for that, he argued weakly. A good heart? In this world a good heart is a weakness we can’t afford, Victoria retorted, her voice as sharp as a blade.
The argument escalated with Victoria listing all of Olivia’s transgressions over the past few months, the donations to charities without approval, the volunteer work in poor neighborhoods, the refusal to attend the proper social events. Robert listened, his face growing paler by the minute. She’s ruining everything we’ve worked for, Robert.
Our social standing, our connections, everything is at risk because of this. This fixation she has on helping the less fortunate, Victoria continued, her voice a furious whisper. But she is my daughter, Victoria, I can’t just change who she is, Robert protested, though his voice already showed signs of resignation.
Victoria stopped her furious pacing around the office, turning to face Robert with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. I have a plan, she declared, her voice suddenly calm and controlled, a plan that will solve two problems at once. Robert straightened in his chair, suddenly alert, he knew that tone of Victoria’s and it usually didn’t bode well.
What kind of plan? He asked cautiously, fearing the answer. A plan that will teach Olivia a lesson. Victoria responded, a cold smile forming on her lips.
Silence fell over the office, heavy and oppressive. Robert looked at Victoria, a mixture of fear and curiosity in his eyes. He knew he should protest, defend his daughter, but years of Victoria’s manipulation and control had worn down his will.
What exactly do you have in mind? He finally asked, his voice barely more than a whisper. Victoria leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with an almost manic light. That beggar Olivia was so eager to help.
What if we used him to show Olivia that people like him aren’t so good? What if she had to see up close just how bad people like him can be? She insinuated, her voice dripping with malice. Victoria, what are you suggesting? Robert asked, a shiver of apprehension running down his spine. Victoria abruptly stood up, her silhouette casting a threatening shadow over Robert.
She walked to the office window, gazing out at the meticulously maintained garden, a cold smile forming on her lips. Marriage, Robert. We’ll force Olivia to marry that beggar, she declared, her voice filled with cruel satisfaction.
Robert choked on his whisky, his eyes wide with disbelief. You’ve gone mad, Victoria. That’s—that’s monstrous, he exclaimed, rising from his chair.
Monstrous? No, my dear, it’s a necessary lesson. Think about it. What better way to show Olivia the harsh reality of the world than by making her live with someone like him, Victoria replied, her tone calculated and cold.