Chapter 16 - Martha Faces Victor
The meeting occurred through secure video.
Victor sat in a detention interview room.
Martha sat beside her attorney.
Lauren waited outside.
Martha had insisted.
“I need to say this without my daughter protecting me.”
When the screen activated, Victor smiled.
“Marty.”
She flinched at the nickname.
Then steadied herself.
“You broke into Lauren’s house.”
“I came for you.”
“With a gun.”
“I would never hurt you.”
“You pointed it at me.”
“I was angry.”
“You said you would kill anyone who kept me from you.”
Victor’s smile faded.
“Lauren filled your head with fear.”
“No.”
Martha placed a stack of documents on the table.
“You did.”
Victor leaned toward the camera.
“We can fix this.”
“There is no this.”
“You’re emotional.”
“I am clear.”
“You don’t understand the financial situation.”
“I understand my parents’ house paid for your debts.”
He stopped.
“I understand you used my signature to move money for Admiral Keene.”
Victor’s breathing changed.
“Martha—”
“I understand you photographed me while I slept to frighten me.”
“That was not—”
“I understand you threatened my daughter because you were afraid of what she knew.”
Victor’s jaw locked.
“She ruined our marriage.”
“No.”
Martha looked directly into the camera.
“You needed Lauren to be the villain because otherwise I would see you.”
Victor’s face hardened.
“Without me, you have nothing.”
Martha’s hands shook beneath the table.
But her voice did not.
“I have my daughter.”
Victor laughed.
“She won’t stay. People like Lauren always leave.”
Martha’s eyes filled.
“She came back every time I called.”
Victor leaned closer.
“You will beg me to take you back.”
Martha stared at him.
Then she reached forward and ended the call.
Outside, Lauren stood when the door opened.
Martha walked into her arms.
She did not say she had been brave.
She said, “I’m tired.”
Lauren held her.
May you like
“You’re allowed.”
👉 Martha finally ended Victor’s control without Lauren speaking for her—but Victor’s case was only one part of the reckoning ahead.
