Chapter 3
I read the message three times.
Your father left you everything.
My hands began trembling.
For two years, Vanessa had told me my father died without leaving enough money to support me independently.
She claimed the house belonged to her.
She claimed his business accounts were exhausted.
She claimed my education fund had been used to pay medical bills.
And every time I asked questions, she accused me of being ungrateful.
Now a stranger was telling me those claims might be lies.
I looked toward Vanessa.
She was arguing with the competition director.
Maya stood beside her, crying angrily.
Neither noticed my phone.
I stepped into a quiet hallway.
Then I called the number.
It rang twice.
A woman answered.
"Nia?"
I froze.
"Who is this?"
"My name is Angela Price."
I didn't recognize it.
"How do you know me?"
There was a pause.
"I worked for your father."
My chest tightened.
"My dad?"
"Yes. I was his executive assistant for nearly twelve years."
I leaned against the wall.
I remembered hearing that name.
Angela.
My father used to mention her during business dinners.
But after his death, Vanessa said the company had dismissed most employees.
"Why are you contacting me now?"
Angela sighed.
"Because I finally found the documents your father wanted you to receive."
My heart pounded.
"What documents?"
"His original estate instructions."
I closed my eyes.
"Vanessa told me he didn't leave anything."
"That isn't true."
I felt sick.
Angela continued.
"Your father established a trust for you before he died."
I swallowed.
"How much?"
She hesitated.
"Enough to pay for your education, medical treatment, and a very comfortable future."
My knees weakened.
"Why didn't I know?"
"Because someone interfered with the paperwork."
I stared at the wall.
"Vanessa?"
Angela spoke carefully.
"That's what we need to investigate."
I took a breath.
"Where are you?"
"Not far from the event."
My heart jumped.
"Can we meet?"
"Yes. But not alone."
"Why?"
"Because I've already received threats."
The words chilled me.
"Threats from who?"
Angela paused.
"Someone who doesn't want you to know what your father left behind."
Before I could respond, the backstage door opened.
Maya stepped into the hallway.
She saw me holding the phone.
"Who are you talking to?"
I quickly ended the call.
"Nobody."
She narrowed her eyes.
"You're acting weird."
I slipped the phone into my handbag.
"Maya, I don't want to argue."
She laughed.
"You really think you're going to win tonight?"
I looked at her.
"I entered the competition because I wanted to show my work."
She stepped closer.
"You're embarrassing me."
"You wore my dress."
She rolled her eyes.
"You're still whining about that?"
I took a slow breath.
"Yes. Because you stole something I worked for."
Her expression hardened.
"You always make everything about yourself."
I stared at her.
For years, I'd allowed Maya to speak to me that way.
I'd apologized when she borrowed my belongings without permission.
I'd remained silent when she insulted my appearance.
I'd even helped her prepare outfits for parties while she laughed at my designs.
But something inside me had changed.
"I'm done pretending this is normal."
Maya blinked.
"What?"
"You can't take my work and claim it's yours."
She stepped closer.
"You think you're better than me now?"
I shook my head.
"No. I think I deserve the same respect you expect for yourself."
She stared at me.
Then she laughed bitterly.
"Good luck with that."
She walked away.
I stood in the hallway, shaking.
But beneath the fear was something new.
Confidence.
I wasn't completely powerless.
Not anymore.
A few minutes later, Evelyn found me.
"Nia, we've completed the preliminary review."
My heart pounded.
"Is everything okay?"
She smiled.
"Your reconstructed gown is eligible for the competition."
I nearly cried.
"And Maya?"
"Her entry has been disqualified pending final review."
I covered my mouth.
Evelyn continued.
"The original gown will remain secured until ownership is fully documented."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
She touched my shoulder.
"There's something else."
I looked up.
"The judges want to speak with you about your design process."
My stomach tightened.
"Did I do something wrong?"
She smiled.
"Quite the opposite."
She led me into a private room.
Two judges sat beside a long table.
A large screen displayed photographs of my reconstructed gown.
One judge, a respected designer named Samuel Reed, leaned forward.
"Nia, your work shows remarkable technical skill."
I felt my cheeks grow warm.
"Thank you."
He pointed toward the screen.
"The way you transformed discarded materials into structured couture is exceptional."
My eyes filled.
"I didn't have much time."
Samuel smiled.
"That makes it even more impressive."
Evelyn placed the sealed envelope on the table.
"The competition prize includes a substantial cash award and professional mentorship."
I stared at it.
My heart began racing.
She continued.
"We also have a medical partnership that may help qualifying designers access treatment."
I touched my bandage.
"Eye surgery?"
"Potentially. We would need medical evaluation and confirmation of eligibility."
I felt tears rolling down my cheek.
For months, I'd believed treatment was beyond my reach.
Now there was a possibility.
A real possibility.
I pressed my hands together.
"Thank you."
Evelyn smiled.
"The final announcement will happen shortly."
I nodded.
Then my phone vibrated again.
Angela Price.
I answered quietly.
"Nia, I'm outside."
I froze.
"Where?"
"Near the service entrance."
"Are you okay?"
Her breathing sounded uneven.
"I need to give you something."
My chest tightened.
"What?"
"A copy of your father's trust documents."
I looked toward Evelyn.
Then back at my phone.
Angela continued.
"And Nia, please be careful."
"Why?"
May you like
There was a pause.
"Because Vanessa just called someone and told them to make sure you never see those papers."
