Chapter 19 - THE WEDDING DAY PLAN
The wedding had been scheduled for six weeks later at Blackwood Estate.
Nathan’s folder showed exactly what was supposed to happen.
After the ceremony, Victor and Serena were meant to fly to a private island for a short honeymoon.
The aircraft maintenance request had already been altered.
The hydraulic sabotage at the hangar had not been Plan B.
It had been a rehearsal.
If Victor died after marrying Serena, she would become Ethan’s guardian.
Nathan would challenge company control using emergency board provisions.
Serena would control access to Ethan’s trust until the court intervened.
And if Ethan became ‘medically fragile,’ Nathan’s lawyers planned to argue that Serena needed expanded financial authority for his care.
Lily stared at the documents.
“They built a business plan around a baby.”
Victor’s voice was ice. “Not anymore.”
Nathan was charged with conspiracy, attempted murder, fraud, and later Rebecca’s homicide.
Serena faced child abuse, attempted murder, fraud, witness intimidation, and conspiracy charges across multiple states.
Old cases reopened.
Emily Danner testified.
Lily testified.
Rosa testified.
So did Owen Pike.
For the first time, the children Serena had once silenced were no longer alone.
Weeks later, Victor sat outside a courtroom while Lily bounced Ethan gently on her knee.
The cast was gone.
His arm had healed.
Victor watched his son reach for Lily’s necklace and laugh.
“I owe you more than I can ever repay,” he said.
Lily shook her head. “You don’t owe me.”
“I do.”
“Then pay Ethan.”
Victor frowned.
“With time,” she said. “Not money.”
That hit harder than any accusation.
The courtroom door opened.
Detective Ellis stepped out.
“They reached a verdict.”
Victor stood.
May you like
But before he entered, Ethan said a word he had never said clearly before.
“Daddy.”
