Chapter 4: Choosing Sides
The confrontation came faster than either of them expected.
Vanessa’s father stood in the doorway, his presence filling the room with silent authority.
“I was wondering how long it would take,” he said calmly.
Lily stepped forward. “You knew about me.”
“I did what was necessary,” he replied. “Some mistakes are better buried.”
“I’m not a mistake,” Lily said, her voice steady despite the tears in her eyes.
Vanessa moved beside her.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Vanessa said.
Her father’s gaze shifted, sharp and disappointed. “Be careful, Vanessa. You’re risking everything.”
Vanessa didn’t flinch. “No. I’m finally choosing something real.”
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For the first time in her life, she wasn’t choosing power.
She was choosing truth.
