Chapter 7 - The Return
The stalemate lasted exactly four days. Victoria stayed completely away from the east wing, terrified of the video on Elena's phone. Elena practically moved into Leo’s room, sleeping in the armchair to ensure the boy was never alone.
But Victoria was a cornered animal, and cornered animals are the most dangerous.
Elena knew the video was leverage, but it wasn't enough to guarantee Leo's permanent safety. If Victoria hired professionals, a simple house cleaner couldn't stop them. She needed Arthur.
Using a burner phone, Elena sent an anonymous email to Arthur’s executive assistant in Tokyo, attaching a single screenshot of Victoria holding the vial over Leo's bed, with the subject line: Your son is being murdered. Come home.
Arthur Sterling didn't reply. He just boarded his private jet.
The estate was thrown into chaos when the security gate buzzed, announcing Mr. Sterling's early arrival. Victoria scrambled, shouting at the staff to prep the house, desperately trying to reapply her mask of the perfect wife.
When Arthur walked through the front doors, he looked like a man who hadn't slept in a week. His tie was loose, his eyes bloodshot.
Victoria threw her arms around his neck. "Arthur! Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have prepared a proper dinner!"
Arthur gently but firmly peeled her arms off him. "Where is my son?"
"He's resting, darling. The physical therapist was very hard on him today—"
"I want to see him," Arthur demanded, marching past her toward the grand staircase.
Victoria chased after him, panic bleeding into her perfectly manicured voice. "Arthur, wait! He’s heavily sedated. The doctors said—"
Arthur pushed open the doors to the east wing and stopped dead in his tracks.
Leo wasn't heavily sedated. He was sitting up in his wheelchair, looking out the window, while Elena read to him from a book about marine biology.
When Leo saw his father, his eyes lit up. He didn't speak—he wasn't ready for that yet—but he raised his weak arm and waved.
May you like
Arthur fell to his knees beside the wheelchair, sobbing as he buried his face in his son's lap. "I'm so sorry, Leo. I'm so sorry I wasn't here."
Victoria stood in the doorway, her eyes darting between Arthur and Elena, realizing her entire empire was crumbling.
