Page 105 of Once A Villain

“Did Mom leave the villa to me?” I demand, my voice trembling despite my effort to sound assertive.

His jaw tightens, eyes narrowing.

“Where did you hear that?”

“Answer me!” I insist, my voice wavering as I fight to keep my composure.

“I sold it,” he snaps, his expression a mask of stone.

“You’re lying! You never sold it!” I shout, desperation creeping in.

He stands, his rage unmistakable, and dismisses the others with a cold command.

“This meeting is adjourned.” The Sovereigns shuffle out, casting wary glances my way.

“Answer me! Did Mom leave me the villa?”

“Rory, now isn’t the time for this.” Dad snaps, his frustration clear in the way he exhales,

“But I deserve to know the truth!”

“Enough, Rory!”

“Please,” I plead, my voice cracking as tears streak down my cheeks. “Dad, did she leave it to me?”

“Yes.” His reply is nonchalant as if it’s not a big deal.

“And you never told me? Why would you keep this from me?”

“Rory, calm down,” he says in a condescending tone.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I had my reasons,” he says, his jaw tight.

“What reasons?”

“That’s enough! You need to leave.” His voice is stern, and he glares at me, his eyes full of warning.

“I want the truth!” I shout, my hands shaking uncontrollably as tears streak down my face.

“Your mother never should have taken you there,” he grits out, seething. “I should have known better than to trust her.”

“What does that mean?” I demand, confusion and hurt mingling. “You’re hiding something. I have a right to know!” My voice trembles, but I stand my ground.

“VICTORIA!” he roars, face flushed with rage. “ENOUGH! That’s an order!”

“But—”

“I SAID GET OUT!” His voice is so loud that the glass rattles.

“Fine,” I whisper. “You’ve never been a father to me anyway.” I whirl around, the sting of his words cutting deep, and rush down the hallway.

Spencer’s urgent shouts follow me, his footsteps hammering behind me.

“Rory! Rory, wait!” He grabs my arm, halting my escape.

“Did you know?!” I demand, voice breaking, eyes shooting daggers through my tears. “Did you know he’s been lying to me all these years?!”

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