Chapter 10 - The Anonymous Complaint
Eight months earlier, the Navy opened a preliminary review into Avery’s conduct.
An anonymous source accused her of exaggerating her role in the Harbor Seven rescue.
The complaint claimed Avery had taken credit for another officer’s actions and used classified information for personal attention.
The allegation was false.
Still, it delayed Avery’s promotion and placed her under intense scrutiny.
Avery never learned who submitted it.
Their mother’s journal provided the answer.
Madison came today asking whether Avery could lose her uniform if someone reported her for discussing the rescue. I told her to leave. She said Avery’s medals had opened every door while she received nothing.
Avery looked at Madison.
“You filed the complaint.”
Madison’s composure shattered.
“You always had to be the hero.”
“That investigation could have ended my career.”
“You survived it.”
“Because I had done nothing wrong.”
Madison turned toward Julian.
“She was never there for us. Every birthday, every funeral, every crisis—she chose the Navy.”
Avery’s eyes burned.
“I missed holidays because I was deployed. I missed Mom’s final week because my request for emergency leave was delayed by the investigation you caused.”
Madison flinched.
That consequence had not occurred to her.
Avery stepped closer.
“You stole my last days with our mother.”
The ballroom fell into absolute silence.
For the first time, Madison looked ashamed.
Then her shame curdled back into fury.
“She loved you more anyway.”
Avery stared at her younger sister.
There it was.
May you like
The small childhood jealousy that had grown into something monstrous.
👉 Prince Julian finally understood that Madison had not lied once to protect herself—she had built their entire relationship around punishing Avery.
