CHAPTER 8: The Threat About Julian
Victoria’s hands went numb.
For three years, Julian’s death had been labeled a tragic accident. His car had skidded off a rain-slick road outside the family estate after a late board meeting. Regina had handled the funeral, the investigators, the statements to the press. Victoria had been too deep in grief to question the neatness of it.
Now the message stared back at her like a door opening in a dark hallway.
Walk away, or Nathan learns what really happened to his father.
Amelia arrived in a black SUV seven minutes later with two discreet security men and a pediatric nurse. She took one look at Victoria’s face and did not waste time.
“Into the car. Both boys in the middle seat. Mateo, you’re coming. Victoria, give me your phone.”
Inside the SUV, Caleb pressed himself against the door until Nathan whispered, “You can sit by me. I don’t bite.”
Caleb looked at him. “I do, sometimes.”
Nathan considered this seriously. “Only if scared?”
“Mostly.”
“Then I won’t scare you.”
Victoria turned away before the children saw her tears.
Amelia read the message and went still. “This is no longer only a family matter.”
“Julian knew,” Victoria said. “At least part of it. He was looking for the truth, wasn’t he?”
Amelia did not answer quickly. “Before he died, Julian asked me to review hospital records from St. Agnes. He said the paperwork around one twin’s death felt wrong.”
Victoria stared at her. “You never told me.”
“He asked me not to until he had proof. He was afraid of Regina. Not for himself—for you and Nathan.”
The SUV moved through traffic toward a private medical clinic under Amelia’s network. Caleb watched the city pass by like a child leaving prison but unsure if freedom was a trap.
At the clinic, the nurse cleaned his knees. He did not cry, not even when antiseptic burned the raw skin. Victoria stood beside him, every silent flinch cutting her deeper than any accusation.
When the doctor asked to draw blood for a DNA test, Caleb pulled away.
“No needles.”
Victoria knelt. “Only if you agree.”
He studied her. “If it proves I’m not yours, do you leave me here?”
Nathan answered before Victoria could.
“No. You’re still coming home.”
May you like
Caleb looked at Victoria.
She said, “He’s right.”
