Chapter 5

An exact match for the deal Julian offered.

Like mother, like son.

I looked at Victoria Brock, suddenly remembering a line from the floating text.

Victoria Brock is a pure businesswoman. Bloodline and profit always beat sentiment.

"What if I refuse the money?" I asked.

Victoria raised an eyebrow.

"What if I don't want the payout? What if I only want these children legally recognized as Brocks, written into the family trust, with equal inheritance rights?"

Victoria’s voice dropped to a freeze.

"Ms. Reed, Greed is a very ugly trait."

I kept my voice dead steady.

"It isn't greed. Those two children are worth every penny."

"Oh? Based on what?"

"Based on the fact that they are the only children Julian will ever have."

Silence descended on the room.

The fake politeness completely vanished from Victoria’s face.

She stared at me, her eyes as sharp as razors.

"Clara, do you have any idea of what you're saying?"

I matched her sharp gaze without flinching.

"I do. What you don't know, Mrs. Brock, is that Julian can never father another child.

“During his kidney transplant for Vivienne, the lead surgeon, Dr. Meyers, took a payout.

“He made a deliberate 'mistake' that left Julian completely sterile."

I pulled out my phone, opened the initial report Marcus sent half an hour ago, and slid it across the table.

"Here are Dr. Meyers's bank records for the past year. Last November, he racked up an $80 million gambling debt in Macao.

“Three days after the surgery, an anonymous offshore account cleared the debt. At the exact same time, $5 million landed in his wife's account."

"These are the phone records between Dr. Meyers and his wife.

“A week before the surgery, he made multiple calls to an overseas number. Cyber tracing can link that location directly to the source of the funds."

Victoria didn't touch the phone right away.

"Where did you get this evidence?" she asked slowly.

"I have my own sources. If you don't believe me, Mrs. Brock, run your own investigation. With the Brock family's resources, it won't take long to confirm."

The only sound in the lounge was the wind rustling through the trees outside.

After what felt like an eternity, Victoria finally broke the silence.

"You said... twins?"

"Yes."

I pushed the ultrasound scan closer to her.

"Two. The scan was done today. Both have strong heartbeats."

She picked up the paper, examining it carefully this time.

Her eyes lingered on the two tiny dots for a long moment.

Then she set the paper down and pressed the call button on the table.

Arthur opened the door immediately.

"Mrs. Brock."

"Send Mr. Miller in."

A few minutes later, a middle-aged man wearing a gray suit and gold-rimmed glasses walked into the room.

Raymond Miller was Victoria’s chief executive assistant. He had been by her side for twenty years.

"Mrs. Brock."

Mr. Miller stood at attention, completely professional.

Victoria slid my phone over to him.

"Verify everything on this device. Immediately."

Mr. Miller took the phone and scanned the documents. His eyes widened slightly behind his glasses.

"Right away, Mrs. Brock."

He took the phone and left the room.

Once again, it was just Victoria Brock and me.

"Ms. Reed, you will stay here tonight. The guest suite on the east wing is ready for you. Arthur will show you the way.

"I will handle the rest."

I picked up the porcelain cup she pushed toward me and took a slow sip.

The tea was rich and smooth, leaving a sweet aftertaste.

In front of my eyes, the floating chat went absolutely insane.