Chapter 17 - Avery’s Only Request
King Edmund offered Avery a royal commendation.
A public ceremony.
A permanent advisory position with the Norland maritime foundation.
Avery declined each one.
“I already received recognition from my service.”
“Then name what you want.”
Avery looked toward Madison.
Her sister stood alone beneath the chandeliers, veil crooked, makeup streaked, every illusion destroyed.
“I want the false complaint against my military record fully investigated.”
“It will be.”
“And I want my mother’s name removed from every forged document.”
The royal legal adviser nodded.
“Of course.”
Avery took a careful breath.
“My final request is that no public statement describe Madison as insane, unstable, or broken.”
Madison stared at her.
After everything, Avery was protecting her from the same kind of narrative Madison had tried to weaponize against her.
Avery continued.
“She knew what she was doing. She should be held responsible for her choices. Excusing cruelty as madness would deny the truth.”
King Edmund inclined his head.
“Wisely said.”
Madison’s expression twisted between shame and resentment.
“Why are you helping me?”
“I’m not helping you escape consequences.”
Avery met her eyes.
“I’m stopping everyone from turning you into a helpless victim. You made these choices. Now you have to face them.”
That was the first punishment Madison truly understood.
She could not hide behind jealousy.
She could not blame Avery’s success.
May you like
She could not call her fraud an act of love.
👉 In the weeks that followed, every lie Madison had built began collapsing beyond the walls of the wedding estate.
