Chapter 9 — Victoria's First Desperate Lie
# The Stepmother's Lie
## Chapter 9 — Victoria's First Desperate Lie
That evening, Daniel invited Victoria into his study.
She immediately sensed something was different.
He remained standing beside the fireplace.
No smile.
No greeting.
Only silence.
Finally, Daniel spoke.
"I have one question."
Victoria nodded confidently.
"Anything."
"Why did you tell Lily she wasn't allowed inside Sarah's bedroom?"
Victoria's smile barely changed.
"I was only trying to help her move on."
Daniel quietly placed Sarah's will onto the desk.
Victoria's eyes immediately fell on the signature.
She recognized it.
Daniel watched every tiny change in her expression.
"You've seen this before."
Victoria quickly shook her head.
"No."
"I haven't."
Daniel opened the final page.
He read Sarah's instructions aloud.
Victoria's face slowly lost its color.
"Daniel..."
"I can explain."
He looked directly into her eyes.
"Then explain something else."
"Who slapped my daughter?"
Victoria froze.
"I..."
Daniel interrupted.
"Don't lie."
"I already know she didn't fall."
Victoria's breathing became uneven.
She searched desperately for another excuse.
"Lily was disrespectful."
"She raised her voice."
"I only—"
"You only what?"
Daniel's voice became ice cold.
"You struck a ten-year-old child."
For the first time since marrying Daniel...
Victoria realized she was losing control.
And somewhere outside the study door...
Mrs. Evelyn Brooks quietly listened.
She had waited eight years for someone to finally ask the right questions.
Now...
She was finally ready to tell the truth.
