Chapter 5 - The Unraveling
Three days later, I stood on the balcony of the Mercer estate, watching the sun rise over the mountains.
My recovery was moving quickly, thanks to the dedicated care of Dr. Vance and the peaceful atmosphere of my childhood home. Lily was thriving, gaining weight and sleeping peacefully in her nursery. My body was healing, but the scars on my soul were still fresh.
My father walked out onto the balcony, holding two cups of warm tea. He handed one to me, taking a seat on the stone bench.
“They’ve been processed at the county jail,” Alexander said quietly. “Daniel’s bail was set at five million dollars. He can’t post it because all his assets are frozen. Vivian’s bail was set at five hundred thousand, but no bondsman will touch her.”
“And Chloe?” I asked softly.
“She surrendered the necklace and gave a full statement to the prosecutor in exchange for a lighter sentence. She turned on Daniel in less than an hour, handing over emails that prove he intentionally diverted funds to hide his personal expenses.”
I took a sip of the tea, feeling the warmth spread through my chest. “It’s funny. For three years, I thought if I just worked harder, if I was quieter, if I was more forgiving, they would accept me. I thought I was the problem.”
“Monsters will always make you feel like you are the reason for their cruelty, Victoria,” my father said, his voice soft with emotion. “You were too good for them. You gave them grace they didn’t deserve.”
“I don’t want revenge for the sake of hatred, Dad,” I said, turning to look at him. “I want justice so Lily never grows up in a world where people like them can hurt others without consequences.”
“Justice is coming,” Alexander promised. “The bankruptcy court has scheduled the liquidation auction for the Hale estate for Friday. Every piece of property they owned will be sold under the hammer.”
“I want to be there,” I said firmly.
May you like
My father looked at me, surprised. “Are you sure you’re ready?”
I smiled—a real, genuine smile for the first time in years. “I’m not the scared orphan girl they pushed around anymore, Dad. I’m Victoria Mercer. It’s time I took back my life.”
