Chapter 60

Nathan frowned. "This is mutually beneficial."

"If there are so many advantages, why doesn’t Titan Capital Group sign the contract with Horizon Enterprises directly? Why resort to using me as a pawn?" Evelyn countered sharply.

Her lips curled in mockery. "Isn’t Vanessa engaged to Ethan? He’s the marketing director of Titan Capital. You could’ve asked Vanessa to convince him. It’s just one contract. If she can’t even secure that for you, what’s the point of raising her? She’s not even your real daughter."

Nathan thought bitterly, If Vanessa could handle this, I wouldn’t be begging Evelyn for help. Alexander had rejected the proposal without explanation. Vanessa claimed Ethan had approached Alexander multiple times, only to be turned down every single instance.

Nathan exhaled in frustration. "Forget it. If Ethan failed, I doubt you’d succeed either. I’ll find another way."

The conversation died there. But Evelyn’s mind lingered on the quarterly dividends that always ended up in Vanessa’s account.

She studied Nathan with feigned indifference. "Starting this quarter, Horizon Enterprises’ dividends should be deposited—"

The documents slid across the polished mahogany desk. "Transfer all my dividends into my account."

Richard Hayes stiffened. His brows knitted together in displeasure. "You owe Vanessa. How dare you demand this?"

Evelyn Carter let out a bitter laugh. "You keep insisting I owe Vanessa, but tell me—what exactly do I owe her? Three years ago, she set me up. I made the truth clear at the birthday gala. You chose not to believe me. Three years of my life, wasted behind bars. You, Mother, Vanessa—you all owe me!" Her voice sharpened. "Even if I had been guilty of what happened back then, Vanessa walked away without a scratch. Not a single hair harmed. What compensation does she deserve?"

Richard fell silent, caught off guard by her words. His tone turned icy. "Vanessa has dedicated herself to this company. She's earned those dividends. You? You've contributed nothing. Yet you have the audacity to demand them."

Evelyn's lips curled in disdain. "You're right. I haven't contributed—but those shares are mine. Vanessa holds none. If she's so deserving, why don't you hand over your own profits to her?" Her eyes flashed with accusation. "Instead, you want to take from me. How hypocritical."

Richard's jaw tightened. "Vanessa needs the funds. She's about to be promoted to Vice President of the project division. There are social obligations—networking, events—all requiring financial backing. You barely spend a dime. And we're family. Why must you be so petty about this?"

Evelyn threw her head back and laughed, the sound hollow. "Family? You call this family?" Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "When have any of you ever treated me as such?"

The air between them crackled with tension, the weight of years of neglect pressing down.

Richard's expression darkened, but Evelyn didn't flinch. She had nothing left to lose.

And this time, she wouldn't back down.

The moment the words left my lips, Richard's face turned crimson with rage.

"You think you can dictate terms to me?" His fist crashed against the mahogany desk, making the crystal paperweight tremble. "After everything I've done for you?"

I smoothed the wrinkles from my designer dress, my voice icy calm. "Starting this fiscal quarter, every cent of my Horizon Enterprises dividends goes directly to my account. No exceptions."

The air between us crackled with tension.

Vanessa's shadow loomed large in this conversation, as always. My so-called father would sooner bankrupt himself than see his precious stepdaughter go without her monthly allowances.

"As a principal shareholder," I continued, "I'll be auditing the company books personally. If I discover even a dollar missing..." My smile didn't reach my eyes. "Well, let's just say the business journals will have a field day with 'Haynes vs. Horizon Enterprises.'"

Richard's nostrils flared. "How dare you threaten me? I'm your father!"

The word tasted like ash in my mouth.

"Tell me, Richard," I challenged, "when have you ever acted like one?"

The memory surfaced unbidden - that sweltering summer at Malibu, the riptide pulling us under. Vanessa, secure in her inflatable ring, shrieking theatrically while I swallowed mouthfuls of saltwater.

I could still see them - Richard and Margaret - sprinting past my flailing arms without hesitation. The lifeguard's strong grip hauling me to safety while my "family" fussed over Vanessa's nonexistent injuries.

Vanessa, who'd been laughing underwater the whole time.

The office walls seemed to press closer, the framed diplomas and awards mocking me. All the accolades in the world couldn't buy a parent's love.

"Sign the transfer documents by Friday," I said, turning toward the door. "Or my lawyers will be in touch."

The heavy oak door slammed behind me with finality. Some relationships weren't worth salvaging.

The ocean tasted bitter that day.

As the waves swallowed me whole, I felt nature's raw power coursing through my veins. The salt burned my throat, the current dragged me under, and in that moment, I understood—I was insignificant.

After that, I never stepped foot on a beach again.

Even swimming pools made my breath hitch.

When danger strikes, people reveal their true selves.

And that day, I learned the truth.

I was the unwanted one.

The memory flickered behind my eyes, sharp as shattered glass.

Evelyn's lips curled into a humorless smile.

The kind that held no warmth.

Only resignation.