Chapter 36

Vivi and Sophia sat in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. The muffled sounds of the investigation continued downstairs, a constant reminder of the upheaval that had shattered their lives.

Finally, Sophia spoke up. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I never meant for any of this to happen."

Vivi looked at the young woman, seeing the pain and confusion in her eyes. "It's not your fault," she replied, surprised by the sincerity in her own voice. "You're as much a victim in this as anyone."

Sophia nodded, tears welling up. "I just... I don't know who I am anymore. Everything I thought I knew about myself, my family... it's all been a lie."

Vivi felt a pang of sympathy. Despite her own complicated feelings about the situation, she couldn't help but empathize with Sophia's plight. "We'll figure this out," she said, reaching out to pat Sophia's hand. "One step at a time."

A commotion from downstairs drew their attention. Damien's voice carried up the stairs, sharp with anger. "I don't care what it takes! Get our lawyers on it now!"

Vivi and Sophia exchanged glances. The weight of the scandal pressed down on all of them, threatening to crush the fragile bonds that held the family together.

"What's going to happen to us?" Sophia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vivi wished she had an answer. The future, once so neatly planned out, now seemed murky and uncertain. "I don't know," she admitted. "But we'll face it together."

As if on cue, Damien burst into the room, his face flushed with anger and frustration. He stopped short when he saw Vivi and Sophia together, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.

"They're expanding the investigation," he said, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "They want to look into all of our personal accounts now."

Vivi nodded, feeling a knot form in her stomach. "I've already given them access to mine," she said.

Damien's eyes met hers, a mix of emotions swirling in their depths. For a moment, the tension between them seemed to fade, replaced by a shared sense of uncertainty and fear.

Damien took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging as he visibly tried to compose himself. The anger that had fueled his outburst moments ago seemed to drain away, replaced by a determined calm. He looked at Vivi and Sophia, his expression softening.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice steady. "I shouldn't have burst in like that. And I shouldn't be adding to your stress."

Vivi and Sophia exchanged surprised glances. This was a side of Damien they rarely saw – measured, controlled, almost paternal.

He pulled up a chair, joining them at the small table. "Listen, both of you. I know this situation is... complicated. But we're going to get through it. There's no need to worry."

Sophia's brow furrowed. "But the investigation—"

Damien held up a hand, cutting her off gently. "The investigation will run its course. We have nothing to hide. Our lawyers are the best in the business, and they'll make sure our rights are protected every step of the way."

He turned to Vivi, his gaze holding hers. "Vivi, I know this isn't what you signed up for when you married my father. But I want you to know that you're part of this family now, no matter what happens. We'll support each other."

Vivi felt a lump form in her throat, touched by Damien's unexpected show of maturity and compassion. She nodded, unable to find words.

Damien continued, his voice calm and reassuring. "The most important thing right now is that we present a united front. The media will try to tear us apart, to find cracks in our story. We can't let them."

He looked at Sophia, his expression softening further. "And Sophia, I know you're struggling with your identity right now. But know this – you're my sister, regardless of biology. We'll figure out the rest together."

Sophia's eyes welled with tears, touched by Damien's unexpected kindness. She reached out and squeezed his hand, a silent thank you passing between them. Vivi watched the exchange, a mix of emotions swirling within her.

Damien stood up, his demeanor shifting back to business-like efficiency. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. We'll have a family meeting tonight – all of us, including Dad. We need to get our stories straight and make sure we're all on the same page."

Vivi nodded, finding her voice. "That's a good idea. We should probably call the lawyers too, get their advice on how to handle any potential questioning."

"Already done," Damien replied. "They'll be joining us via video call. In the meantime, I want both of you to try and relax. Don't talk to anyone outside the family about this, not even close friends. The less said, the better."

Sophia wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath. "What about social media? Should we post something, or...?"

Damien shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. Radio silence is our best friend right now. Let the lawyers handle any public statements."

He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Vivi, can I have a word with you in private?"

Vivi's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face neutral as she followed Damien out of the room. They walked in silence to his study, the tension between them palpable.

Once inside, Damien closed the door and leaned against his desk. He ran a hand through his hair, suddenly looking tired and vulnerable. "I know things have been... complicated between us," he said softly. "But I meant what I said in there. You're family now, and I've got your back."

Vivi felt a lump form in her throat. She wanted to reach out to him, to bridge the gap that had grown between them. But she held back, reminding herself of the promises she'd made – to herself, to her family, to Reginald.

"Thank you, Damien," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means a lot."