Chapter 2: Four Words From a De@d Man
Nathan didn't move.
He couldn't.
Lily was still watching him with those enormous, steady eyes — too calm for a four-year-old who had just been terr0rized.
Like some part of her had always known this moment would come.
Victoria stepped forward.
"Nathan, listen to me.
This woman is unstable.
She fabricated this entire—"
"Don't." His voice came out low and flat.
"Don't say another word."
He crossed the kitchen in four steps and crouched down in front of Grace.
Up close, he could see the bruise already rising along her shoulder.
He could see Lily pressed against her mother's chest, one small fist clutching Grace's uniform.
"Can you stand?" he asked quietly.
Grace nodded, jaw tight.
"I've been standing for five years."
He helped her to her feet.
Then he turned to Victoria.
"How long have you known about Lily?"
Victoria's expression shifted — just for a fraction of a second.
Something cold moved behind her eyes before the tears came.
"I was protecting you," she whispered.
"Your father asked me to.
We both were."
The room went completely still.
Nathan stared at her.
"My father asked you."
It wasn't a question.
Victoria's chin lifted slightly.
"He said Grace was dangerous.
That she would destroy everything your family built.
I believed him." She paused.
"I still do."
From behind Nathan, Grace made a small, broken sound.
"She's not dangerous," Grace said.
"I was pr3gnant.
That's all I ever was."
Nathan's phone buzzed on the counter.
He glanced at the screen.
It was his attorney.
May you like
The message read only: *Open the envelope before you do anything.
Please.*
