Chapter 12 - Victoria Finally Explains Her Real Fear
Victoria asked Claire to meet privately.
Claire agreed with counsel nearby.
Victoria did not apologize immediately.
She explained first.
For thirty years, she had believed Thomas would eventually leave the
gallery to the Bennett family.
Meaning her.
Or Ethan.
She had introduced collectors.
Hosted dinners.
Protected Thomas from bad deals.
Helped the gallery enter wealthy circles Elena could not access.
Some of that was true.
Victoria had contributed value.
But she confused contribution with ownership.
When Thomas told her months earlier that he was “correcting an old
mistake,” she suspected Claire was involved.
Then the Meridian deal became urgent.
If the sale closed before any transfer, Victoria and Ethan would earn
fees and shape what happened next.
If Claire gained control first, everything would be reviewed.
Victoria chose attack.
“I thought if everyone saw you as unstable, Thomas would change his
mind.”
Claire looked at her.
“You thought class would do the work for you.”
Victoria lowered her eyes.
May you like
“Yes.”
That was the first honest answer she gave.
