Chapter 9 - THE LOCKED GATES
Victoria was escorted from Sterling Manor before sunset.
Her access code was canceled.
Her personal staff was dismissed.
Her belongings were packed and delivered to her father's townhouse.
Mark instructed security:
"She doesn't enter this property again."
But Victoria wasn't finished.
Within twenty-four hours, her attorney contacted Mark.
The message was simple.
Victoria would accuse Elena of assault.
She would claim Mark's security footage had been illegally manipulated.
She would also sue Mark for damages caused by terminating their engagement.
Mark read the letter twice.
His attorney, Daniel Grant, sat across from him.
"She's trying to scare you."
"It's not working."
"The Vance family has political influence."
"I know."
Daniel leaned forward.
"Mark, this may become public."
"Good."
Daniel frowned.
"Good?"
Mark looked toward the nursery.
For two nights, Leo had woken screaming.
Every time the front door closed, the child panicked.
Mark hadn't slept.
"I trusted the wrong person."
His voice was heavy.
"If publicity keeps her away from another child, let it become public."
Daniel nodded.
"Then we file first."
Police received the security footage.
A pediatric specialist examined Leo.
Household employees gave statements.
And Elena did something Mark hadn't expected.
She refused the lawyer he offered to pay for her.
"I don't want this to look like you're buying my testimony."
Mark stared at her.
"You could be sued."
"I know."
"Victoria's family has resources."
Elena smiled sadly.
"So do you."
"This isn't about money."
"I know."
She looked toward Leo.
"That's exactly why I have to tell the truth."
Mark felt something shift inside him.
For years, people around him had measured loyalty in salary, bonuses, favors, and access.
Elena had risked everything without asking for anything.
May you like
And Mark began to understand that the richest person in Sterling Manor might not have been him.
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