Chapter 8 - THE LAST LIE
Viviana's final attempt came in the form of a letter delivered to Damian's attorney. She claimed Lara had manipulated Grace, encouraged false accusations, and stolen confidential household documents. She demanded a private settlement and threatened to make the allegations public if Damian did not pay.
Damian's attorney read the letter twice. “She is trying to turn this into a defamation dispute. We should respond through counsel and avoid direct contact.”
Damian agreed.
The evidence was already with investigators: footage of Viviana shoving Lara, records of unauthorized medication, messages discussing Grace's removal, and statements from former employees.
Then Adrian found a deleted email in the house manager's archive. It had been sent from Viviana to Peter Sloane two weeks before the engagement dinner.
Once Damian signs the marriage papers, I can request temporary guardianship if he is declared unable to manage the household. The report about Grace will help. Lara must be removed before she speaks.
Damian read it in silence.
The marriage had never been only about affection or status. Viviana had wanted legal influence over Grace and access to the family trust.
His attorney advised him to preserve the email and submit it with the other evidence.
That afternoon, Damian received a call from Viviana. He let it go to voicemail.
Her message was calm at first. “Damian, we need to stop this before it gets ugly. You know I love you. I know I made mistakes, but Lara has been waiting for a chance to take my place.”
Then her voice sharpened. “You will regret humiliating me. You think you can keep Grace away from me forever? You don't understand what my family can do.”
Damian forwarded the message to his attorney. He did not call back.
When he entered the kitchen, Lara was helping Grace decorate cupcakes. A small amount of frosting covered Grace's nose.
“Daddy, look!” She held up a cupcake with uneven pink icing.
“It's beautiful,” he said.
“It's for Lara.”
Lara laughed. “I thought you were making one for yourself.”
“I made two,” Grace said. “One for you and one for Daddy.”
Damian accepted his cupcake.
For a moment, he watched the two of them laughing, and he understood how thoroughly Viviana had misunderstood the people in this house. Lara did not want his money. Grace did not want a replacement mother. They both wanted to feel safe.
He turned to Lara. “The investigation may take time. I want you to know your job is secure, but you are free to choose what happens next.”
Lara looked at him. “I'd like to stay until Grace feels settled.”
“Then you will.”
Grace looked between them. “Does that mean Lara won't go away?”
“Not unless she chooses to,” Damian said.
May you like
Grace smiled. It was a small answer, but it was the first promise in a long time that did not come with a threat.
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