Chapter 9 - Fractures in the Foundation
The information about Evelyn Sterling changed everything,
It provided a dangerous context for Victoria’s actions,
It wasn't an isolated event; it was the Sterling standard of operation,
Ms. Jenkins was preparing to use this information,
She contacted some older family friends who might remember Evelyn,
Slowly, pieces of the puzzle were falling into place,
Arthur Sterling was also beginning to change,
The rejection of the settlement had planted a seed of doubt in his mind,
He saw the strength in Julian and Clara, a strength he had never possessed,
He found himself questioning Victoria’s control over his life,
One evening, he confronted Victoria in her study,
she was reviewing her public relations plan, completely oblivious,
"You knew about Evelyn, Victoria," Arthur accused, his voice steady,
She looked up, a shadow of surprise in her eyes, "What?"
"I found out about the non-disclosure agreement, I found out the truth,"
Victoria set down her pen, her face turning into a mask of steel,
"That was a different time, Arthur, a different situation,"
"No, it was the same situation, You didn't like her, so you made her disappear,"
"I was protecting the family name," Victoria declared, her voice rising,
"Just like I am trying to do now,"
"By attacking my son's wife? By lying to the public?"
"She is not a Sterling, Arthur, she is a parasite,"
"She is Julian's wife, Victoria, and you had no right to lay a hand on her,"
Victoria stood up, her diamonds flashing with dangerous fire,
"Do not question my decisions, Arthur,
I have made this family what it is,"
"And what is that, Victoria? A family of liars? Of bullies?"
"If you are unhappy, Arthur, you are free to leave,
But you will leave with nothing, just like your son,"
Arthur realized the truth, He was just another victim of her control,
He turned and left the study, his mind filled with conflicting emotions,
He was too old to change, but maybe he wasn't too old to make amends,
Meanwhile, Julian was securing Liam's testimony,
he was also trying to find other potential witnesses,
The public sympathy was growing, and pressure was mounting on the family,
There were fractures appearing in the great foundation of the Sterling family name,
May you like
and those fractures were about to get wider,
threatening to collapse the entire legacy into the dust.
