Chapter 10 - The Doctor Who Never Examined Her
The medical declaration carried the name of Dr. Howard Pierce.
Victoria had never met him.
Yet the unsigned report described her as paranoid, emotionally unstable and unable to make complex financial decisions.
It even suggested she might endanger herself during pregnancy.
Elias discovered that Dr. Pierce operated a private wellness clinic funded by Serena’s charitable foundation.
Mara found emails between his office and Damian.
They were arranging an evaluation at Vale House on the morning after the housewarming party.
If Victoria refused to participate, the report would say her refusal proved paranoia.
If she cooperated, Damian would control the questions and witnesses.
Either way, they planned to use the document during an emergency board vote.
Victoria wanted to call the police.
Elias stopped her.
“We have evidence of preparation,” he said. “They’ll claim the documents were drafts.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“Let them complete the attempt.”
Victoria hated the answer.
She was pregnant, frightened and living inside a house controlled by people who wanted to erase her.
But Elias was right.
Damian had influence. Serena had spent years building relationships with politicians, donors and journalists.
A partial case would become a public family dispute.
They needed undeniable proof.
Mara proposed using the housewarming party.
The guest list included major investors, board members, attorneys and city officials.
If Damian attempted the transfer that night, the necklace could send the recording to the ballroom archive.
Victoria hesitated.
“What if it fails?”
“It will also send copies to me and Elias.”
“What if Damian stops the broadcast?”
“He cannot access the isolated channel.”
Victoria looked at the movement of her child beneath her dress.
She was not only protecting a company.
She was protecting Grace from growing up under the control of people who considered love a weapon.
“Prepare it,” Victoria said.
Mara’s voice softened.
“Once the feed begins, there is no taking it back.”
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“That’s the point.”
👉 Victoria agreed to turn the housewarming into a trap, unaware that Serena had already arranged to keep her from reaching the ballroom.
