Chapter 20
Veronica’s POV
The woman’s sharp tone caught me completely off guard. I blinked at her, stunned. She was standing in the doorway, her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and designer clothes making her look like she had walked off a movie set. But her expression was anything but welcoming.
And who are you supposed to be?” she demanded, her icy gaze sweeping over me like I was something unpleasant she’d stepped in.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. I’d never seen her before in my life. Who was she, and why was she acting like she owned the place?
“I’m Veronica,” I said cautiously, trying to you are?”
keep my owady. “And
The woman’s lips curled into a condescending smile. “Betty Peyton. And this is my house. So, whoever you are, I suggest you pack up and leave.”
My heart skipped a beat. Her house? That didn’t make sense. This was my father’s home–or at least, it was supposed to be. He’d never mentioned anyone named Betty, much less that someone else might have a claim to his estate.
My eyes raked through her as I tried to make sense of what was happening. She shared the same last name with him too.
Was she a relative?
Even if she was, that didn’t give her any right to demand I leave my father’s house. What is wrong with all these rich people?!
J
“Wait a second.” I said, frowning. “This house belongs to my father.”
Betty raised an eyebrow, her smile turning into a sneer. “Your father? And who might that be?”
“Meshach Peyton,” I replied, my voice firmer now.
For a moment, Betty just stared at me. Then she laughed–a short, disbelieving sound. “Meshach Peyton? Oh, that’s rich. And I suppose you‘ re here to play the long–lost daughter card or wait… are you his mistress? Let me guess, you’re pregnant?”
My jaw tightened, disgusted she could think so lowly of me. “I’m not playing anything. I am his daughter.”
Her laughter stopped abruptly, and her expression darkened. “Meshachi doesn’t have a daughter. Trust me, I’d know.”
Confusion and anger flared inside me. Who was this woman to decide what my father did or didn’t have? And why had he never mentioned her
before?
“I don’t know who you think you are,” I said, taking a step forward, “but I have every right to be here. My father-”
“Enough.” Orthon’s voice cut through the tension like a knife.
I turned to see him standing beside me, his expression hard. He stepped forward, placing himself between me and Betty.
“Betty, this is Veronica,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “She’s exactly who she says she is–Meshach’s daughter. If you have a problem with that, you’ll need to take it up with him.”
Betty’s eyes darted between the two of us, her disbelief palpable. “This has to be some kind of joke. Meshach never mentioned-”
“Maybe because it wasn’t your business to know.” Orthon interrupted smoothly
Her checks flushed with anger. but she didn’t reply Instead, she huffed and tumed toward the staircase “Fine Stay But don’t get too
comfortable. This house has rules, and you’ll follow them if you know
what’s good for you.
With that, she marched upstairs, her heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floor.
As the sound of her footsteps faded. I let out a shaky breath. “What the hell was that about?” I asked, turning to Orthon.
He ran a hand through his hair, looking tired. “Betty Peyton is… complicated. She’s been in and out of your father’s life for years, but he
ever officially introduced her to anyone. She’s… let’s just say, territorial.”
“Territorial?” I repeated, my voice rising. “She acted like she owned the place! And she didn’t even know who I was.”
Orthon sighed. “Your father likely kept your existence from her–and from a lot of people. He has his reasons, but I can’t say I agree with them.
I stared at him, my mind spinning. My father could be secretive for all he likes but couldn’t he have given me a heads–up or something that he had a rabid dog in his life? Was that who he left my mother for?
“She didn’t even believe me,” I said quietly. “She thought I was lying.”
Orthon placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me. “Don’t let her get to you, Veromca. Betty thrives on control, and seeing you here shakes that She’ll back off eventually–especially when your father sets her straight.”
“Will he, though?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Or will he just let her
keep walking all over me? She’s his woman after all.”
Orthon’s expression softened, and he gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “He will. Trust me. You’re important to him. Veronica. I don’t think he will just sit back and let her trouble you in his own house.”
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure I believed it. For now, I’d have to wait and
see.
I was ready for her too. If she wanted to play cool, then we would be cool, but if she wanted to repeat this nonsense, I would return it tenfold.
I was done being a victim.