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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Victoria watched as her mother\u2019s hand trembled while setting the table for their usual Sunday lunch. Her stepfather, Andrei, had a knack for turning every moment into a silent battle. He smirked at Olga. \u201cPass the salt, dear. You know, that white thing that costs less than your morning coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n
Victoria handed him the shaker, watching how he held it delicately. Three years ago, Andrei had seemed perfect for her mother\u2014polished, successful, and always smiling. But beneath that smile was a petty tyrant.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom, the salad is great,\u201d Victoria tried to ease the tension.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt least your mother knows how to cook,\u201d Andrei scoffed. \u201cNot like some career women who only know how to run around offices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olga\u2019s wrist, with a faint yellowish bruise, caught Victoria\u2019s eye. \u201cMom, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing, dear. Just bumped it,\u201d Olga said, avoiding her gaze.<\/p>\n
When Andrei entered the kitchen, their conversation fell silent. \u201cWhat are you whispering about?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWork,\u201d Olga answered quickly.<\/p>\n
Andrei\u2019s smirk returned. \u201cAh, yes. Our little Victoria is a big boss now. How\u2019s the air up there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Victoria clenched her jaw. \u201cHow\u2019s your project at the company?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s none of your business,\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re family,\u201d Victoria said, \u201cJust curious.\u201d<\/p>\n
He leaned closer. \u201cIn this house, I\u2019m in charge. Remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Olga sobbed quietly after Andrei left the room. \u201cMom, this can\u2019t go on,\u201d Victoria whispered. \u201cThings are going to change.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next day, Victoria walked into her new office. A folder sat in front of her, and Andrei\u2019s name caught her eye\u2014*Senior Project Manager*. Now, he was her subordinate.<\/p>\n
At the company meeting, Victoria scanned the room. When her eyes landed on Andrei, she saw shock barely concealed behind his gaze.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning,\u201d she greeted, starting her presentation. \u201cThe \u2018Fortuna\u2019 project is behind schedule. This is yours, right, Andrei?\u201d<\/p>\n
His face turned blotchy. \u201cYes, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI expect a full report by tomorrow morning,\u201d she said, her tone cold.<\/p>\n
\u201cImpossible! A full analysis by then?\u201d Andrei stammered.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy nine,\u201d she repeated, eyes narrowing. \u201cUnless it\u2019s beyond your abilities?\u201d<\/p>\n
Afterward, Andrei stormed into her office. \u201cYou set this up on purpose,\u201d he accused.<\/p>\n
Victoria didn\u2019t look up. \u201cLearn to knock, Andrei Stepanovich. It\u2019s basic corporate etiquette.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think you can control me?\u201d he spat.<\/p>\n
\u201cI already do.\u201d<\/p>\n
He seethed but said nothing.<\/p>\n
Victoria continued to demand punctuality and quality from Andrei, tracking his every misstep. Soon, his behavior was documented, and the \u2018Fortuna\u2019 project teetered on the edge of failure\u2014his failure.<\/p>\n
One evening, an HR employee asked, \u201cIs it true you know Andrei Stepanovich outside of work?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s\u2026 changed. He used to be arrogant. Now, he\u2019s quiet. Almost polite.\u201d<\/p>\n
Victoria smiled. \u201cPeople change when their priorities shift.\u201d<\/p>\n
That evening, she overheard Andrei in the break room. \u201cI\u2019ll be late again\u2026 No, that witch piled more work on me\u2026 What do you mean it\u2019s my fault?!\u201d<\/p>\n
The next morning, her mother called. \u201cVika\u2026 he\u2019s lost it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Victoria sped home. Andrei stood in the living room, drunk and ranting. Olga sat curled in the corner, bruised.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeave,\u201d Victoria ordered.<\/p>\n
He laughed. \u201cYou can\u2019t make me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She pulled out her phone. \u201cI have an email drafted to twenty major companies, detailing your professional failures. Add domestic abuse with photos, and what happens then?\u201d<\/p>\n
His laughter faded. \u201cYou have five minutes to pack.\u201d<\/p>\n
His shoulders slumped as he turned to Olga. \u201cDear\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t look at him. \u201cLeave,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n
The next morning, Olga smiled as they drank coffee together. \u201cYou\u2019ve changed, daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d Victoria said, watching the first spring flowers bloom. It had all been worth it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Victoria watched as her mother\u2019s hand trembled while setting the table for their usual Sunday lunch. Her stepfather, Andrei, had a knack for turning every moment into… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21825,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n