Chapter 12 - No More Private Agreements
"No," Ethan said.
"That's what I expected. We can decline in writing."
But Victoria was also demanding access to the home she shared with Ethan to collect her belongings. Dana arranged the logistics through counsel. The documents and the child would be nowhere near her.
Two days later, Ethan met Victoria at Dana's office to settle those practical details.
Her wedding ring was absent because she had never received it. Somehow that small fact struck him harder than the dress had.
She sat beside her attorney in a navy suit.
"Can we have five minutes alone?"
"No," Ethan said.
Her jaw tightened.
They discussed keys, movers, jointly purchased furniture. Victoria answered each question as though conducting a business meeting she intended to win.
Then she looked at him.
"You built a life with me."
"I built it with information you chose for me."
"Olivia had a choice."
"You threatened a pregnant woman with prison."
Her attorney started to speak, but Victoria cut across him.
"I gave her money. Your father agreed. I was the one who stayed and did the work."
Ethan stared at her.
"Lucy spent years thinking I didn't want her. Was that part of the work?"
Victoria glanced away.
"You weren't happy before I came along."
"You don't get credit for comforting me after telling me Olivia was dead."
For a moment, no one moved.
Victoria leaned forward.
"If those records go in, your father goes with them. Think carefully before you destroy your own family."
Dana placed her pen on the table.
"The records are preserved. Financial investigators are already involved. This meeting cannot change that."
Victoria stood so abruptly her chair struck the wall.
"I waited years for you."
Ethan stood too, leaving the table between them.
"And you decided three other people should lose those years."
She looked at the door, then back at him.
"She'll disappoint you again."
"That's between Olivia and me."
"And the girl? You think you know how to be a father?"
That one found its target.
He let himself feel it before he answered.
"No. I'm going to learn."
Victoria left with her attorney.
Ethan returned to St. Anne's carrying a fresh set of colored pencils.
Lucy's chair was empty.
May you like
Olivia was crying. Mrs. Alvarez stood beside the door.
"She heard us talking about going home," Olivia said. "She thinks I'm taking her away from you."
