She stood.
—You were twenty-four years old and prepared to throw away the Lancaster legacy!
—I loved her.
—Love doesn’t build dynasties!
—Apparently lies do.
Victoria’s lips trembled.
Then Leonardo asked:
—Did you send Vanessa into my bedroom?
She remained silent.
—Did you give her access?
Still nothing.
I understood.
It had all been staged.
The lipstick.
The perfume.
The phone call.
Everything.
My knees almost weakened.
Fourteen years.
I had spent fourteen years believing Leonardo betrayed me.
Leonardo had spent fourteen years believing I abandoned him.
And between us stood one woman who had decided she knew better than both of us.
Leonardo turned toward me.
—The divorce papers.
I swallowed.
—What about them?
—I never signed them.
My blood ran cold.
—Yes, you did.
—I didn’t.
—I received finalized documents.
Leonardo immediately looked at his legal counsel.
—Find the original filing.
The lawyer left.
Victoria suddenly became nervous.
That frightened me more than anything else.
