CHAPTER 17: Victoria’s Last Offer
Victoria Blackwood made one final attempt to preserve the family name.
She requested a private meeting with Naomi at the townhouse. Adrian told Naomi she did not have to agree. Naomi agreed anyway, not because she wanted peace, but because she was tired of being discussed by people who never had to face her.
Victoria arrived without pearls.
That was the first surprise.
She stood in Naomi’s small living room, looking older than she had in the mansion. Power aged quickly when people stopped obeying it.
“I came to apologize,” Victoria said.
Naomi waited.
Victoria’s lips pressed together. “I knew Celeste had interfered. I did not know the extent.”
“That’s not an apology.”
Victoria closed her eyes briefly.
“I was ashamed that Adrian married without telling me. I blamed you because it was easier than blaming my son. Then Celeste offered a solution that kept the scandal quiet, and I let silence become consent.”
Naomi sat very still.
“My child almost lost a father because your pride needed a clean story,” she said.
Victoria’s face twisted.
“Yes.”
The word cost her.
Naomi looked toward the nursery door. The baby was not born yet, but the room was ready: soft gray walls, a wooden crib, a small mobile of clouds and stars.
Victoria followed her gaze.
“I would like to know my grandchild someday,” she said.
Naomi stood.
“Someday is not yours to schedule.”
Victoria nodded.
For the first time, she seemed to understand that money could not buy access to a life it had endangered.
At the door, Victoria turned back.
“What will you name him?”
Naomi placed a hand on her stomach.
“If it’s a boy, Elijah. If it’s a girl, Grace.”
Victoria’s eyes filled unexpectedly.
May you like
Naomi did not comfort her.
Some women had to learn to carry their own tears.
