Chapter 16
Victoria testified against advice.
Of course she did.
Control addicts cannot resist a microphone.
She claimed Arthur was unstable.
Claire was rebellious.
I was fragile.
Marcus was manipulated.
Dr. Vale was incompetent.
Everyone was guilty except her.
The prosecutor let her talk.
Then talk more.
Then more.
Finally, he asked, “Mrs. Mercer, why fake your death?”
Victoria smiled.
“To see who mourned properly.”
A murmur moved through the courtroom.
Her lawyer closed his eyes.
The prosecutor asked, “Why continue entering the estate secretly?”
“My son needed guidance.”
“By drugging his wife?”
“I protected the heir.”
I placed both hands on my belly.
Marcus stiffened beside me.
The prosecutor stepped closer.
“From his mother?”
Victoria’s face hardened.
“From weakness.”
Then came the final evidence.
The lab analysis of her tea blend.
The videos of her entering my rooms.
The signed orders to move Arthur.
The payment to the man who attacked the surveillance van.
The recording of Claire.
By the end, Victoria no longer looked elegant.
She looked exposed.
The verdict came after three days.
Guilty.
Attempted kidnapping.
Medical abuse.
Fraud.
False imprisonment.
Conspiracy.
Murder of Claire Mercer.
Attempted harm against me and my unborn child.
Arthur cried.
Marcus held him.
I sat still, feeling my daughter kick.
Alive.
May you like
Safe.
Insistent.
