Chapter 19: Victoria’s Offer
Victoria did not appear surprised.
Caleb stood behind her.
A bandage covered his forehead from the fight at the cabin.
“You have caused enough trouble,” Victoria said.
Daniel moved in front of Ethan.
“Where is Lily?”
“Safe.”
“From whom?”
“From herself.”
Mara raised her phone.
“I’m recording.”
Caleb took it from her before she could react.
Victoria looked at Claire.
“Your father was a sentimental fool.”
“He trusted the wrong people,” Claire replied.
“He believed money should be wasted on damaged children.”
Ethan tightened his grip on Claire’s hand.
Victoria opened a briefcase.
Inside were legal documents and stacks of cash.
“Sign the trust over to me. Withdraw the custody petition. Leave the country.”
Daniel laughed.
“You think we’ll sell Ethan?”
“I think Claire will eventually understand what loving him costs.”
Claire stepped toward the briefcase.
Victoria smiled, believing she had won.
Then Claire closed it.
“My father died protecting those children.”
“Your father died because he refused to compromise.”
The words hung in the room.
Daniel’s eyes narrowed.
“What did you do to him?”
Victoria stood.
“Nothing that can be proven.”
Claire felt her phone vibrating inside her pocket.
Before entering, she had called Daniel’s attorney and left the line open.
Victoria did not know every word was being recorded.
Claire pushed further.
“And Lily’s crash?”
Victoria’s confidence returned.
“Lily created her own tragedy.”
A loud alarm sounded.
Red lights flashed.
Caleb grabbed Ethan.
Daniel struck him and pulled the boy free.
Mara ran toward the steel door.
Victoria shouted, “The demolition has started!”
May you like
The floor shook beneath them.
Someone had activated the explosives twelve hours early.
