Chapter 13 - VICTORIA BLAMES HER FATHER
Victoria’s defense separated her from the Vale conspiracy.
Her attorneys described a daughter raised by an abusive father.
They said Gideon controlled her marriage.
Her finances.
Her choices.
They presented childhood letters showing pressure and punishment.
The abuse was real.
It explained Victoria.
It did not erase what she did.
Victoria offered to testify against Charles and Dr. Hale.
In exchange, she wanted the murder charge reduced.
Prosecutors refused the first offer.
She requested a meeting with Maya.
Maya refused.
She requested one with Arthur.
He agreed only to a written statement.
Victoria wrote:
I loved you.
My father taught me love meant becoming necessary.
Every time you thanked me for handling something unpleasant, I believed I was earning safety.
Elena threatened that safety.
Maya reminded me of her.
I wanted the girl gone.
The admission was the closest Victoria came to honesty.
Then the letter changed.
You struck me too.
You know what rage does.
Arthur read that line several times.
Victoria was right about one thing.
He had struck her.
He had done it after seeing the children injured.
The context did not transform violence into virtue.
Arthur provided a statement to prosecutors admitting the slap.
Victoria had not filed charges.
The district attorney reviewed the footage and issued a misdemeanor citation.
Arthur accepted responsibility.
Several supporters called the decision unnecessary.
He disagreed.
“If I ask a court to treat her violence seriously, I cannot call mine symbolic.”
He completed anger-management counseling and community service.
Maya heard about it through the news.
She called him.
“Did they make you do that?”
“The court did.”
“Would you have done it without the court?”
Arthur thought carefully.
“Probably not soon enough.”
“That is honest.”
“I am trying.”
“Do not turn trying into another speech.”
May you like
He smiled faintly.
“I won’t.”
