Chapter 5 - THE NIGHT VICTORIA LOST EVERYTHING The police entered the mansion within minutes.
Victoria tried to remain composed.
She couldn't.
She screamed about lawyers, influence, and family connections.
But Ethan had already given his statement.
He provided the officers with the weapon.
He showed them the damaged kitchen.
And he told them everything Elena had revealed.
Victoria was escorted away.
As she reached the front door, she turned.
“This isn't over!”
Ethan watched her leave.
“No,” he said quietly.
“For me, it is.”
The door closed.
Silence returned.
But the silence felt different.
Lily sat beside Elena on the sofa.
Ethan remained standing several feet away.
Neither knew what to say.
Finally, Ethan approached.
“Can I sit?”
Lily nodded.
Ethan sat.
“I have missed so much.”
Elena looked at him.
“You didn't know.”
“But I should have found you.”
“You searched.”
“I should have searched harder.”
Elena's eyes softened.
“You can't punish yourself for something you were deceived about.”
Ethan looked toward Lily.
“Does she know?”
“She knows you are her father.”
Lily smiled shyly.
“I always wanted a daddy.”
Ethan's eyes filled with tears.
“You have one now.”
He reached for her.
Lily hesitated.
Then she climbed into his arms.
Ethan held her like something priceless.
That night, for the first time, Lily fell asleep in her father's arms.
Elena stood in the doorway.
She watched them.
Her heart hurt.
Not from sadness.
From the overwhelming realization that the family she thought she had lost might finally have a chance.
But outside the mansion, another story was beginning.
Victoria sat inside the police vehicle.
She stared through the window.
Her tears disappeared.
Her expression became cold.
May you like
She whispered one sentence.
“If Ethan thinks this is the end, he doesn't know me at all.”
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