Chapter 4 - THE PAGE I NEVER SAW
“Send me the page,” I told David.
Victoria reached toward my arm. “Julian, please. Let’s talk before you involve lawyers.”
“They’re already involved.”
“Because you called one.”
“Because someone put my son in a legal document without telling me.”
Her hand dropped.
The page arrived on my phone. It was buried in an attachment labeled FINAL WEDDING ESTATE SUMMARY. I had seen an earlier draft. This one contained a new paragraph proposing that Victoria make certain decisions for Leo if I couldn’t.
I hadn’t signed it. David confirmed that. But the signature line was ready.
“Who sent this to your office?” I asked him.
“Victoria’s attorney.”
Victoria folded her arms. “We discussed making sure Leo was protected.”
“We discussed naming my mother.”
“You said you’d think about it.”
“I did. And I chose my mother.”
A server appeared at the far end of the hallway. “Mr. Vance? The coordinator says we’re fifteen minutes from seating everyone.”
“Tell her the ceremony is delayed.”
The server hurried off.
Victoria waited until he was gone. “You’re overreacting. Nobody forged your signature.”
“No,” I said. “You just hoped I’d sign without reading that page.”
Her cheeks colored. “That’s unfair.”
I walked past her into the dressing room. Two garment bags hung by the window. On the vanity, beside the flowers I’d sent that morning, sat a folder marked HOUSEHOLD PLANS.
Victoria moved to block me. “Those are private.”
I opened it.
There were renovation sketches of my house. The nursery had been turned into a fitness room. A small guest suite over the garage was labeled STAFF CHILDCARE.
“I had ideas,” she said quickly. “That’s all.”
On the final page was a printed schedule. At the top:
LEO — PHASE ONE TRANSITION
No more morning visits to Julian’s office. No shared dinners on weekdays. Overnight care in the staff suite, beginning two weeks after the honeymoon.
I thought of Leo reaching for me every morning when I left for work. I thought of how he relaxed against my chest when I got home.
“You made a schedule for taking my son out of my life.”
“Don’t twist it. You’re exhausted, Julian. I was trying to help.”
My phone vibrated with another message from Marcus:
BANK DENIED WIRE. SOMEONE HAS REQUESTED A SECOND TRANSFER.
Victoria saw my expression. “What?”
I showed her nothing.
“Who else has access to my home office?” I asked.
She didn’t answer.
Then the dressing room door opened, and a man in a dark suit stepped inside.
May you like
Owen Price smiled at Victoria.
“We have a problem,” he said.
