Chapter 13%
I knew fighting for Liam would not be easy. Ethan was powerful, and his family held even more influence, but I was not afraid. I had already lost too much, and I refused to let them take anything more from me.l
Determined to win this battle, I hired the best lawyer in the country–someone with an untouchable reputation, someone Ethan could not manipulate or buy. Attorney Velez had a history of winning high profile custody cases, and when I explained my situation, he did not hesitate to take the case
“Ethan is already using
away from Liar”
his connections to block every motion we submit. He is doing everything in his power to make sure you stay
Of course he was. That was exactly what I expected from him. But if he thought I would back down because of his influence, he was sorely mistaken.
While I fought for my rights in court, Olivia was busy poisoning Liam’s mind against me. According to the private investigator I hired, she had been feeding him lies for years, shaping his perception of me to fit the narrative she wanted him to believe
One night, she tucked him into bed and gently stroked his hair, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Your real mommy left you, Liam,” she cooed, her expression filled with feigned sadness. “She didn’t want you anymore.”
Liam frowned, confusion flickering across his young face. “But… I saw her. She called me her baby
Olivia forced a soft laugh. “She is only pretending. The moment she became rich and famous, she ran off with another man. She only came back because she wants attention.”
Liam clutched his blanket tightly, his small hands trembling That’s… Thi’s not true.”
She continued weaving her web of deceit, “Oh, sweetheart, I know this is difficult for you to understand, but trust me when I say that i am your real mommy I was the one who mised you, the one who has always been here for you. I love you more than anyone ever could.”
He was just a child, too young to separate truth from manipulation. The mere thought of Olivia twisting his mind against me filled me with rage. She had already stolen so much from me, and now she was trying to steal Liam’s love as well!
I would not allow it
just Olivia leading the attack–it was Trish
A week later, my name was dragged through the mud once again. This time, it was not ju and her powerful family.
They leaked false articles and fabricated reports, painting me as a manipulative woman who had seduced a married executive to land my latest role.
“Sophia Lancaster: From Escort to Actress?
“Richard Blackwood’s Secret Mistress?”
The headlines were disgusting, filled with outright lies designed to tamish my reputation beyond repair. I threw my phone onto the table, my blood boiling.
Trisha. That spoiled, entitled brat had finally crossed a line she could never come back from..
Fury coursed through my veins as I stormed into the Trish’s estate the next day. I did not bother announcing my
ng my arrival. I marched straight to the poolside, where Trisha lounged on a chaise, sipping champagne as if she had not just tried to destroy my career.
She smirked the moment she saw me. “Oh, look who finally decided to visit.”
I did not waste time with pleasantnes. “You really think you can destroy me with false scandals?”
She tilted her head, her smirk widening in amusement. “False? Claire, darling, I’m merely bringing to light what people have been whispering about you behind closed doors.”
My hands curled into fists at my sides. “You’re pathetic,”
She took another slow sip of her drink, then set her glass down with deliberate core. “Tell me, Claire, how does it feel? To have the entire world hate you? To have every major network blacklist you? To know that no matter how hard you try, you will always be nothing more than a scandalous gold digger?”
I laughed. A slow, mocking laugh that made her smirk falteri
“You really are stupid,” I said, shaking my head. “Did you honestly believe this would break me?”
Her eyes darkened. “Enjoy this little act of defiance while it lasts, Because soon, you will be nothing but a washed–up has been.
I took a step closer, lowering my voice to a whisper only she could hear. “Prove it.”
Her smirk returned. “Oh, I will“}
I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. Then let me remind you of something. Trisha.” I leaned in just enough for my breath to fan against her ear. “You have already lost“}
The flicker of anger in her eyes was the only response I needed. I turned on my heel and walked away, leaving her fuming in silence.
Hours later, my phone rang. I picked up without checking the caller ID, still riding the high of my confrontation with Trisha & Richard’s deep voice came through the line. “I see the Caldwells and Trisha have been busy trying to smear your name.” I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. “What else is new?
There was a pause before he spoke again, his tone sharp and decisive. “They want war? Then war is what they will get.”
12:20 PM
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I have already contacted my legal team. We are suing them for defamation.”
My breath caught in my throat, “Richard_”
His voice remained calm but firm. “And as for those producers who blacklisted you? They will soon regret it. I own half the networks in this country. If they think they can bury you, they are sorely mistaken.”
I was at a loss for words. I had spent so many years fighting alone, with no one to support me, no one willing to stand by my side. Now, for the first time, I was not the only one waging this battle.
I swallowed hard, my
Ice quieter than before Thank you &
“Do not thank me yet,” he replied. “Because this is just the beginning
