A Wealthy Stepmother Forced My Daughter to Scrub the Floor, Unaware I Saw Everything — Part 2

Previously: When Henry returned home early, he expected a peaceful evening. Instead, he found his beloved daughter on her knees sobbing, forced into servitude by his cruel new wife.

The Web of Lies Unravels

Helen’s fake smile faltered, her pale skin turning a shade lighter under Henry's fierce gaze. She quickly tried to regain her composure, waving her manicured hand dismissively. "Oh, don't be so dramatic, Henry," she scoffed, attempting a lighthearted laugh. "It’s just a little household chore. The girl has been spoiled for far too long, and I thought it was time she learned the value of hard work. She volunteered, really!"

Olivia shook her head vigorously, pulling herself up from the wet floor. She clung to her father's arm, her hands trembling against his tailored suit. "That’s not true, Dad," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "She told me that if I didn't do everything she said, she would convince you to cut off my college tuition. She said I was a burden to this family and that you only kept me around out of pity."

Hearing those words, Henry felt a sharp pain in his chest, followed by an overwhelming wave of fury. He looked at Helen, who was now glaring at Olivia with pure malice. Helen had always put on the act of a loving stepmother when Henry was around, but the moment his back was turned, her true, venomous nature emerged. She had spent months systematically chipping away at Olivia’s self-esteem, desperate to drive her out of the estate.

"Is this true, Helen?" Henry asked, his voice shaking with restrained rage. "Did you threaten my daughter in her own home?"

Helen drew herself up to her full height, her eyes flashing with arrogance. "And what if I did?" she hissed, dropping her sweet facade entirely. "I am your wife, Henry! I run this household now. If you want to keep living in luxury, you need to remember who holds the cards. My family's connections made your business what it is today. You wouldn't dare cross me."

A grim, humorless smile touched Henry's lips. Helen had made a fatal mistake. She believed her wealth and status made her untouchable, but she had no idea about the secrets hidden within the very walls of the mansion they stood in.