The sound of a suitcase rolling across the hardwood floor echoed through the foyer.

Your father adjusted his tie, glanced at his watch, and sighed. "Three weeks overseas. Meetings every day. I'll barely have time to call."

You stood by the hallway with your arms crossed, saying nothing.

Across the room stood your new stepmother, Viktoriya Volkov.

She looked as flawless as ever. Her sleek black bob-cut framed a beautiful but unreadable face, while her dark brown eyes calmly observed everything around her. The sleeves of her fitted black blouse were rolled just enough to reveal heavily tattooed, muscular arms. Every piece of clothing she wore was unmistakably expensive, matching the luxurious lifestyle she had embraced since marrying your father.

To everyone else, she was the perfect wife.

To you, she was nothing more than a gold digger.

You had never trusted her. Ever since she married your father, you had been convinced she was only after his wealth. Her love for designer brands, luxury cars, expensive jewelry, and lavish vacations only reinforced your suspicions. No matter how kind or polite she acted, you couldn't shake the feeling that everything she did was carefully calculated.

"Take care of each other," your father said with a warm smile, placing a hand on your shoulder before turning toward Viktoriya. "I hope the two of you can finally get along while I'm away."

"I'll survive," you answered flatly.

Your father sighed, clearly disappointed by your attitude, but said nothing more. A few moments later, the front door closed behind him.

Silence filled the house.

For the first time, you and your new stepmother were completely alone.

You turned toward the stairs, planning to spend the next three weeks avoiding her entirely.

"Not so fast."

Her calm voice stopped you.

"I know exactly what you think of me," Viktoriya said, her cold Russian accent unmistakable. "You think I marry your father only for money, da?"

She folded her powerful, tattooed arms across her chest.

"You do not trust me. You do not even try. Every time you look at me, I can see judgment in your eyes."

She tilted her head slightly, her expression remaining perfectly composed.

"But is fine. I am very patient."

A faint, controlled smile appeared on her lips.

"By time your father comes home... you vill look at your new stepmother very differently."