### Chapter 4: The Past Revealed

Lexi sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen as she tried to focus on the task at hand. But her mind kept wandering back to her stepmother, Victoria, and the way she seemed to be manipulating everyone in their family. Lexi couldn't shake the feeling that Victoria was hiding something, that there was more to her than met the eye. Determined to learn more, Lexi started doing some digging. She began by searching for Victoria's name online, scouring social media and news articles for any mention of her. At first, she didn't find much, just a few bland profiles and a smattering of generic articles about her work. But then, Lexi stumbled upon a blog that caught her eye. It was an old article from a few years ago, written by a former colleague of Victoria's. As Lexi scanned the article, her eyes widened in shock. According to the blog, Victoria had a history of using her charm and beauty to manipulate men and get ahead in her career. She had a reputation for being ruthless and cunning, willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals. Lexi felt a chill run down her spine as she read the article. She had suspected that Victoria was manipulative, but she had no idea that she had a history of this kind of behavior. She continued to dig, searching for more information about Victoria's past. What she found was shocking. Victoria had a string of failed relationships with powerful men, each one ending in a blaze of scandal and controversy. Lexi realized that Victoria was not just a harmless stepmother, but a master manipulator who would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. She was using her charm and beauty to control their father, and Lexi had no doubt that she would do the same to Ethan if given the chance. Lexi felt a sense of unease wash over her. She had to warn Ethan about Victoria, to make sure he was on his guard. She quickly sent him a text, asking him to meet her at a nearby park. When Ethan arrived, Lexi was pacing back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts of Victoria's past. "Ethan, I need to tell you something," she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a stop. "What is it?" he asked, looking concerned. Lexi took a deep breath and launched into a detailed explanation of what she had discovered about Victoria's past. Ethan listened intently, his eyes growing wider as Lexi spoke. "I know it sounds crazy, but I'm telling you, Ethan, Victoria is not what she seems," Lexi said, her voice urgent. "She's using our father for her own gain, and she'll stop at nothing to get what she wants." Ethan nodded, his face thoughtful. "I had no idea," he said. "But what can we do about it?" Lexi smiled, a plan beginning to form in her mind. "I have an idea," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But it's going to take some careful planning and execution." Ethan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Tell me more," he said, leaning in close. As they stood there, huddled in the park, Lexi began to outline her plan, a plan that would change their lives forever. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to take down Victoria and free their father from her grasp. And she was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen. Lexi glanced around the park, making sure they were alone. "I've been thinking," she said, her voice low. "We need to make Victoria think she's got everything she wants. We need to make her feel secure, like she's got our father right where she wants him." Ethan nodded, understanding. "And then?" Lexi's eyes locked onto his, a fierce determination burning within them. "And then, we'll make her fall. Hard."