Chapter 3: Unwelcome Guests
By noon the following day, a loud knock sounded at the front door. Julian opened it to find Victoria Vance, Clara’s wealthy and overbearing mother. Clad in a tailored designer suit, Victoria brushed past Julian into the foyer with an air of absolute authority.
""This public embarrassment has gone far enough, Julian,"" Victoria said coldly, taking off her sunglasses. ""You left my daughter standing at the altar over a misunderstanding about a child that isn't even Clara's.""
""It wasn't a misunderstanding, Victoria,"" Julian replied, keeping his voice steady despite the rage bubbling inside him. ""Clara tried to cast Lily aside.""
Victoria sneered softly. ""Clara is young, beautiful, and meant for high society. Raising another woman’s traumatized child will ruin her future. I offered that school as a solution. Clara merely conceded to her mother's wisdom.""
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Julian froze as the harsh truth crystallized. ""Clara didn't file those papers. You did.""
Victoria didn't flinch. ""I did what was necessary for my family's legacy. And if Clara has any sense, she will turn her back on both you and that girl.""
