Chapter 7 - Victoria Says It Was a Blended-Family Test
Victoria’s first explanation came through her attorney.
She did not deny telling Sophie to sit in Noah’s chair.
She called it:
“a symbolic inclusion exercise.”
I read the phrase twice.
“What?”
Miriam handed me the statement.
Victoria believed Noah and Sophie were struggling with territoriality during the engagement transition.
False.
They liked each other.
Victoria said she wanted to see whether I would accept Sophie taking a more central place.
That part was closer.
She claimed the plates were:
“a chore intended to reinforce that Noah also had responsibilities.”
He was three.
Miriam did not need to comment.
Victoria said:
“Noah often throws food and expects staff to clean.”
Was that true?
He was three.
Yes.
Had I perhaps let staff clean too quickly because I was wealthy and grieving?
Also yes.
Should a three-year-old sometimes help pick up a dropped napkin or carry one plastic cup?
Sure.
Four dirty ceramic dinner plates?
No.
Then:
Why Sophie’s chair?
Victoria wrote:
“I wanted Raffaele to demonstrate to Sophie that she would not always be second to Noah simply because she was not biologically Marconi.”
There.
Blood.
Status.
She had turned my family reputation into an emotional test.
But then:
Why send Sophie to Daniel after the wedding?
Victoria said the school paperwork was:
“contingency planning.”
Why send Noah to the lake?
“Another contingency.”
Everything contingency.
Nothing plan.
Miriam asked me:
“Do you believe her?”
“Parts.”
“Which?”
“She wanted proof I would elevate Sophie.”
“And?”
“She was considering moving both kids.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Good.”
I looked at her.
“What?”
“You said I don’t know.”
“I say it sometimes.”
“Recently.”
May you like
Apparently personal growth was irritating when observed.
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