“The signature is yours, Mother,” Alexander said.

“I know your handwriting better than anyone.”

“And I know the name of your personal courier.”

He took a step toward her.

The two men in suits instantly moved forward.

Alexander stopped, his eyes narrowing as he looked at them.

“Do not test me today,” Alexander told them.

The men paused, looking to Victoria for instruction.

She raised a gloved hand, signaling them to stand down.

“You are being emotional, Alexander,” she said.

“You are letting your history with this girl blind you to the facts.”

“The medical records prove you cannot have children.”

“We had those tests done by the best specialists in the country.”

“They were fake,” I said.

Victoria finally looked at me, her eyes cold and sharp.

“Be quiet, Emma,” she said.

“You have done enough damage to my family.”

“No,” Alexander said.

“She is telling the truth.”

“I took another test yesterday, Mother.”

“I went to an independent clinic outside of the Sterling network.”

Victoria’s hand tightened on her handbag.

For a fraction of a second, her composure cracked.

“That was foolish,” she whispered.