She knew what she needed to do. She couldn't pretend this man would be a staple in her children's lives. She couldn't entertain any idea of a future now that she knew he lied. He lied to her, she assumed he had lied to his wife about his affair. Harrison was not one to be trusted.

It didn't take much effort to get Hilary to her party. She took a page from Emily's playbook, "spilling" her drink on Hilary to fake an introduction. As a way to make amends, Victoria had insisted that Hilary come to the party. It was so simple that she couldn't help but wish for a challenge.

Conrad had tried several times to get her attention, to warn her but she shut him down every time. She had told Conrad and he hadn't listened to her, why would she return the favor? If anything she was angrier at Conrad than anyone. Her past had taught her to expect anyone to hurt her, but Conrad was the one person she turned to for protection. He had betrayed her worse than Harrison. To her, that was truly unforgivable.

She had to take migraine medicine the day of the party, feeling nervous about confronting Harrison. She had a gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach, like she was being set up. She forced it out of her mind, pushing herself to follow through and confront him. After all, Victoria Grayson never shied away from confrontation.

Conrad was beginning to panic. He had tried repeatedly to warn Victoria about Harrison but she said she had already figured it out. He knew she was tough, but didn't this destroy her? It was destroying him. All he wanted was to pull Victoria close and protect her and somehow he had let the biggest threat into their lives.

Conrad had left the door to his study open, knowing that his wife had a knack for late entrances. Luckily for him, he was able to pull Harrison away from his wife and into the privacy of his study the moment they entered the Manor.

"This house is gorgeous, Conrad." Harrison said.

"That isn't why I brought you here."

"Oh?"

"Drop the act. I know."

"I'm afraid I don't know what you're referring to."

"I know that a few months after Victoria was born you acquired your business partners half of the law firm-"

"I told you before, I didn't know about Victoria-"

"Your business partner was her stepfather."

"Small world. Marion must have met him through me. That's hardly a crime."

"It isn't. But trading a business practice for a little girl's body isn't just a crime, it's about the most despicable thing-"

"Now what in the hell are you implying?" Harrison asked, his voice growing louder but struggling to keep it down.

"Maxwell got no payment from the firm. He handed it right over to you. And then he snuck into Victoria's bedroom every night. You're telling me that's a coincidence?"

Harrison stood, shocked.

"Stay away from my children. And so help me, if I ever see you even look at Victoria I will murder you."

Conrad watched Harrison walk away in silence. The fact that Harrison didn't deny it told him everything he needed to know. He wasn't looking for a daughter, he was looking to ease his conscience.

Harrison had almost made it to the door when Victoria grabbed his arm, forcing that fake smile.

"Just the man I was looking for. I know you purchased an entire table, but I may have made an error in counting. Could I add one more to your table? I know it's just you and your wife."

"Victoria, I -" he started.

"My friend Hilary Martin is joining us. It seems you have not been very honest about a lot of things, have you?" She said, her voice raising just enough to grab Conrad's attention. He tried to rush and stop Harrison from humiliating her, but he wasn't that lucky.

"You know, you are just like your mother. She didn't mind offering you on a silver platter for a handout. And I may have ruined your childhood but look where you ended up? If you weren't so damaged Conrad would have lost interest in you. I'm not saying you should be grateful for Maxwell's behavior, but he was never physically violent with you."

Victoria couldn't even think of anything to say. She stuttered and stammered, unable to process what was happening. She knew people were looking but she couldn't compose herself. The room felt like it was spinning and she didn't know how to make it stop.

"Your husband told me to leave you alone and that's exactly what I'm doing! I just wanted to make sure you came out okay." Harrison said before heading out the door.

Conrad tried to go to Victoria, but one glare was all it took to force him to back away. She ran up the stairs, letting the tears spill down her dress.