Chapter 6 - VICTORIA'S LAST DEFENSE
Victoria arrived at Liam's home the next morning with an attorney and an expression of righteous indignation.
She demanded the photograph, accused Rachel of kidnapping, and claimed Liam was being manipulated by people who wanted his money.
Liam placed the forged guardianship document on the table.
"Did you sign my name?"
Victoria looked at the paper.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she straightened her jacket.
"I did what was necessary."
"You told me my daughter was dead."
"I told you what you needed to hear."
Liam's face hardened.
"You separated two babies. You lied to Emily. You stole seven years from my daughters."
Victoria's composure cracked.
"Emily was dying! She was frightened, confused, and incapable of making decisions. I was the only person thinking clearly."
"Then why change the birth records?"
"Because I knew what would happen when the truth came out."
"What truth?"
Victoria's eyes flashed toward the DNA report.
"That your father had built the trust to protect the family, and that one more heir would ruin everything."
Rebecca interrupted.
"The trust does not excuse fraud, false statements, or unlawful interference with custody."
Victoria turned on her.
"You have no idea what this family has sacrificed."
"No," Liam said quietly. "I know exactly what you sacrificed. Two little girls' childhood."
For the first time, Victoria seemed to understand that she had lost control of the conversation.
The detectives entered and informed her that she was required to answer questions regarding the altered records and the missing-child investigation.
As she was escorted out, she looked back at Liam.
"You think finding Nora will fix everything?"
"No," he replied. "But it will give my daughters the chance to decide what happens next."
That afternoon, investigators located Nora's adoptive family.
They had been told the child's biological relatives had relinquished contact rights. They had no idea the documents were disputed.
Nora was alive.
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She was eight years old.
And she had the same dark eyes as Ava.
