Chapter 66

Chapter 66
MOLLY’S POV

The moment the meeting ends, I try to steady myself, breathing slowly as I walk down the hallway with the printed proposal in my hand.

My legs feel heavy, but I force them forward because I have one more thing to do today - secure the partnership I’ve been working on for weeks.

Mr. Alden, one of our highest executives, promised we would finalize the project’s direction after reviewing my report. This is supposed to be my chance to redeem myself after that humiliating meeting. Dad joins us, hands in his pockets, walking beside me.

“Morning again, Molly,” Mr. Alden says as I approach him. His tone is polite, but his eyes already hold an answer I don’t like. “Let’s go over the development proposal.”

“Of course,” I say, forcing confidence into my voice. “I’ve refined the market-entry plan, added the demographic segmentation, and-”

He clears his throat, stopping me mid-sentence, and glances at my father. Something twists in my stomach.

“Molly… your work is fine.”

Fine. The deadliest word in corporate language.

“But after reviewing both proposals,” he continues, “I think it’s best for the project to go forward under Kat.”

My chest drops so fast I feel dizzy.

“Kat?” My voice comes out stiff. “But we’ve been discussing this for months.”

“I know,” he says gently, almost too gently. “And you’ve put effort into it. But Kat’s proposal has a better angle. Her projections are more promising. Her timeline is faster. And she already secured preliminary interest from two international partners.”

I stare at him. I could feel my ears burning. He goes on talking, explaining point after point where Kat’s project outshines mine - her innovation, her strategies, her presentation, her connections. With every word, I feel like I’m shrinking, like I’m seven years old again watching my father clap for Kat at her school awards while patting me on the shoulder like an afterthought.

Mr. Alden doesn’t say it in a cruel way, but the outcome is the same. I lose. Again.

When he finishes, he offers a stiff smile. “She’s impressive, Molly. But there’s room for you to grow too. Don’t give up.”

Room for me to grow?

ROOM FOR ME TO GROW?!

I nod even though I’m numb. My father nods. He looks proud and approving.

After he leaves, Dad turns to me. “Molly, he isn’t wrong.”

I swallow hard. “I know.”

“You’re improving,” he says, stepping closer. “But Kat… she’s built for this. She works hard. Maybe you could learn from her. She could guide you.”

Every word hits like a slap. Subtle, but sharp.

He continues, “And don’t feel bad. I love you both. I’m proud of you too.” He pulls me into a hug.

That’s when something inside me snaps. He’s never been proud of me, not really.

“Don’t,” I whisper.

He looks down at me, confused. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t love us both equally.” The words pour out before I can stop them. “You never have.”

His brows shoot up. “Molly-”

“No,” I cut him off, stepping back. I’m shaking, but I can’t hold it in anymore. “You’ve always favored Kat. Always. Since we were kids. She got the attention, the praise, the encouragement. I just got compared to her. Every single time.”

“Molly, that’s not true-”

“It is. You just won’t admit it.” My eyes burn. “And I’m done pretending it doesn’t hurt.”

He opens his mouth, but I don’t give him the chance. I turn and walk away as fast as I can.

As I walk down the hallway, employees pass by, congratulating Kat with bright smiles.

“Miss Kat, fantastic presentation!”
“You killed it today!”
“The investors are thrilled. You’re brilliant.”

Kat stands in the center of the attention, looking radiant and humble as always, smiling and thanking them. She doesn’t see me. Or maybe she does, but it doesn’t matter.

I feel invisible. I feel like a ghost floating past applause meant for someone else.

“Of course,” I mutter under my breath. “Perfect Kat wins again.”

I push open the exit door and head toward the parking lot with tight fists. I’m about to climb into my car when I hear her voice.

“Molly! Wait!”

I freeze. The last person I want to see right now. I slowly turn around and glare at her.

“What?” I snap. “Do you want to rub it in?”

Kat’s eyes widen a little. She walks toward me “Molly, no. I just… I wanted to talk.”

“Why?” I fold my arms. “Want to give me tips on how to suck less?”

She sighs softly, shaking her head. “Your report wasn’t bad. Really. I actually saw a lot of potential in it.” She steps closer. “You just need to adjust some numbers, tighten the conclusions, restructure your delivery—”

I laugh bitterly “I don’t need your help, Kat. I’m not your charity project.”

“I’m not trying to ‘fix’ you,” she says. “I just want peace between us. I want us to work together.”

“Why? So you can look even better standing next to me?”

“No,” she says firmly. “Because I love you, Molly. You’re my sister. I don’t want to fight with you.”

Something in me snaps at the softness in her voice.

“Oh please,” I spit. “Don’t play the innocent card. You’ve always been Dad’s golden child. You always get everything, every opportunity, every compliment, every win.”

“That’s not fair,” she whispers.

“It’s the truth. You steal the spotlight without even trying. And now you want to act like you care? Like I’m not just another stepping stone for you?”

Her eyes fill with tears. “I work hard, Molly. I try not to overshadow you. I… I hate that you think I’m trying to hurt you.”

I roll my eyes “I’m tired of your fake innocence,” I say sharply. “You’re so perfect it makes everyone else look useless.”

Her lips part  “Why do you hate me this much?”

I refuse to answer. I refuse to feel anything. I turn away, opening my car door.

“Molly, please,” she whispers.

I don’t look back. I slam the door.

As I drive off, I see her in the rearview mirror - standing there alone, wiping tears off her cheeks.

My chest tightens and my throat burns. For a moment, my eyes sting and I almost pull over.

I’m not heartless. I’m just… tired. I feel hurt. I feel….replaceable.

But I force the emotions down, gripping the wheel until my knuckles go white.

“One day,” I mutter under my breath. “I’ll prove them all wrong. One day, Kat won’t be the only one worth praising.”

This time, I vow it.

I’ll take Kat down.