Chapter 3 - The Step-Monster
Victoria closed the hospital door behind her, ensuring we were completely alone.
She did not look at Maya sleeping in the bed; her eyes were locked solely on me.
"I am not interested in having a chat with you, Victoria," I said, standing up and crossing my arms defensively.
Victoria offered a cold, practiced smile that did not reach her eyes.
"You arrested my husband and traumatized my son," she stated, taking a step closer. "You really overstepped your boundaries today."
"Your son pushed my daughter down a flight of concrete stairs," I fired back, my voice low but incredibly sharp. "He is lucky he is a minor, or he would be sitting in a cell right next to Richard."
Victoria let out a soft, mocking laugh, dismissing the assault as if it were a minor playground squabble.
"Children play rough, Elena. It is a harsh world, and Maya simply needs to learn how to defend herself."
The sheer arrogance in her voice made my blood boil.
"I have the security footage, Victoria," I warned her. "It clearly shows a premeditated, violent attack."
Victoria reached into her expensive designer handbag and pulled out a thick, white envelope.
"We both know that prosecuting a wealthy, eleven-year-old boy is a complete waste of your judicial time," she said smoothly.
She tossed the envelope onto the small table next to Maya's bed.
"There is fifty thousand dollars in cash in that envelope," Victoria offered. "Take the money, drop the charges against my family, and transfer Maya to a different school."
I stared at the envelope, feeling a sickening wave of absolute disgust wash over me.
"Are you honestly trying to bribe the Chief Judge of the State Supreme Court?" I asked in disbelief.
"I am simply offering a very generous settlement for a minor medical inconvenience," she replied without missing a beat.
I picked up the envelope and held it out toward her.
"Take this trash and get out of my daughter's hospital room before I have you arrested for attempted bribery," I commanded.
Victoria's fake smile instantly vanished, replaced by a look of pure, unadulterated venom.
"You really think a shiny badge makes you untouchable, Elena?" she sneered, leaning in close.
"Richard and I own half the politicians in this state. If you try to destroy my son's future, I will personally ruin your reputation and your career."
She snatched the envelope from my hand and turned to leave.
"Oh, and Elena?" Victoria paused at the door, glancing back over her shoulder.
"You should probably check your judicial bank accounts. Richard has some very talented friends in the financial sector."
She walked out of the room, leaving behind the heavy scent of expensive perfume and a chilling threat.
I immediately pulled out my phone and logged into my secure banking app.
May you like
My heart stopped beating for a second when the screen loaded.
My personal savings account, my judicial pension fund, and Maya's college trust fund had all been completely drained, showing a terrifying balance of zero.
