Chapter 5 - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE CURTAINVictoria Thorne arrived at the hospital twenty minutes later.
She wore a cream suit, pearl earrings, and the composed expression of a grieving mother.
Cameras followed her through the entrance.
She told reporters that her family was praying for Khloe.
She called the attack a tragedy.
She described Isabella as a disturbed young woman who had deceived everyone.
Marcus watched the interview from Khloe’s room.
Every word sounded polished.
Too polished.
Victoria entered carrying white roses.
Marcus stepped between her and the bed.
“Leave the flowers outside.”
She stopped.
“What has happened to you?”
“My wife almost died.”
“And I am here to support you.”
“Khloe woke up.”
Victoria’s expression did not change.
“What did she say?”
Marcus watched her carefully.
“She said your name.”
The silence lasted less than two seconds.
But it was enough.
Victoria placed the roses on a chair.
“She is heavily medicated.”
“Why would she accuse you?”
“Pregnancy trauma can cause confusion.”
Adrian entered.
“Khloe is not confused.”
Victoria looked at him.
“You are allowing personal emotion to interfere with your medical judgment.”
“And you are standing in my hospital attempting to diagnose a patient you tried to have poisoned.”
Marcus stared at Adrian.
Victoria’s eyes narrowed.
“You should be careful.”
Adrian moved closer.
“Melissa Grant confessed to me three days ago.”
The room went silent.
“She asked for immunity.”
“She was terrified of Isabella.”
“No.”
Adrian took out his phone.
“She was terrified of you.”
He played a recording.
Melissa’s trembling voice filled the room.
Mrs. Thorne arranged everything.
She said Khloe was destroying the family.
She said Marcus needed a wife who understood legacy.
Victoria did not move.
Marcus felt something break inside him.
His mother had never accepted Khloe.
She called her ordinary.
She criticized her family.
She insisted Marcus had married beneath his position.
But he never imagined she would harm an unborn child.
Victoria slowly removed her gloves.
“Melissa was unstable.”
“So was Isabella?”
Marcus asked.
“So is everyone who tells the truth about you?”
Victoria looked toward Khloe.
Her expression was not remorseful.
It was disappointed.
“This family existed before she arrived.”
Marcus stepped closer.
“And it will exist after she is gone.”
The sentence came out before Victoria seemed able to stop it.
Adrian immediately called security.
Victoria smiled.
“You cannot frighten me with guards.”
“No.”
Marcus reached for his phone.
“But I can remove you from every position you hold.”
“You do not control the family trust.”
“I control the company.”
“Not after tomorrow’s vote.”
Victoria picked up her handbag.
As she reached the door, she turned.
“Ask your wife why she secretly met with Daniel last month.”
Marcus felt the air leave the room.
May you like
Victoria smiled again.
“You may discover that Khloe has been keeping secrets too.”
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