Victoria Horgan stepped into the grand entrance of the Horgan Villa, Caleb Thornton right beside her. The doors closed behind them with a satisfying thud. “Welcome home, Victoria,” Gregory Horgan called out, walking toward her with a broad smile. “And Caleb, of course. I trust the trip was smooth?” “Smooth, Father. The project in Africa went better than expected,” Victoria replied, her eyes scanning the familiar faces gathered in the hall. Mr Hogan, Mr Dorian Duvall, Mr Kael Durant, Mr Lucas Veyron, Sir Malcolm Trent, Mr Victor Krane, Mr Raven Kade, and Mr Stenton Sterling all nodded in acknowledgment, their expressions a mixture of respect and curiosity. Caleb murmured beside her, “You handled the press conference perfectly. Everyone is talking about your award already.” Victoria smirked. “They always talk. But yes, it went w

“Alexander Armitage, on behalf of the Horgan family, I owe you an apology,” Hogan said, his voice even but carrying undeniable authority. “What was done to you earlier—the insults, the dismissals—it was uncalled for. You are welcome here. You are welcome to stay with this family for as long as you desire, and you will have my blessing to marry Isabella.” Alexander looked at him, his brows raising slightly, not expecting the sudden shift in tone. “I… thank you,” he said carefully, measuring every word. “I did not expect this from you after the reception I received earlier.” Hogan’s eyes softened slightly but his voice remained firm. “Consider it done. You are family now. Your presence here is sanctioned. Nobody will oppose you, Alexander. You have my word.” Victoria, who had been standing near the doorway, her arms crossed tightly across

Victoria stood at her pace, her hands clenched at her sides, eyes blazing with fury. Her voice cut through the murmurs of the gathered family. “Everyone here needs to understand one thing! Alexander Armitage has misbehaved with me, and he must pay for what he has done!” She pointed at Alex, her tone sharp and unyielding. “He is a nonchalant playboy! A man who has no regard for decency or respect. And Isabella,” she turned suddenly toward her sister, voice lowering but filled with venom, “if you think he is safe to marry, you are mistaken. If he can do this to me, he can certainly do the same to you. You need to back out. You need to stop this wedding now before it’s too late!” The room fell into stunned silence. Isabella’s eyes widened, shock and disbelief mingling as Victoria’s accusations rang through the air. “Victoria, stop!” Isabella said, trying to maintain her composure

Victoria sat in her study, phone pressed tightly against her ear. Her manager’s words echoed in her mind. “Here’s the number for Mr Armitage in the United Kingdom. If you need him for the wedding, call now.” Taking a deep breath, Victoria dialed the number, her fingers trembling slightly. The line connected, and a refined voice answered, calm and steady. “Hello, this is Mr Armitage speaking,” the voice said. Victoria’s eyes widened in surprise. “Mr Armitage, this is Victoria Horgan. I need your assistance regarding your son. We believe someone is posing as him here in America. He has been invited to my sister’s wedding, and we need to verify his identity immediately. I request that you come to the United States so that we can clarify this situation and meet with my father regarding business dealings.” There was a brief pause. “Victoria

The drive home was tense, thick with the unspoken resentment between the two sisters. Isabella sat rigidly in the passenger seat, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the passing streets outside. Victoria occupied the back seat, her arms folded, her gaze darting occasionally toward Isabella, her mind restless. “I cannot believe you, Victoria,” Isabella said sharply, her voice slicing through the silence. “I have put up with your endless schemes, your constant interference, and now, even after everything, you still try to sabotage my life?” Victoria shifted slightly, leaning forward, her expression guarded. “I am not trying to sabotage your life, Isabella. I just… I cannot fully trust Alex. I still have my doubts. He hides things, he is too secretive, and I cannot risk…” “You cannot risk what?” Isabella snapped, spinning to face her sister. “You cannot risk anythi