Valerie sent the PJ as promised. Victor boarded without a second thought, staring out the window as the city lights blurred beneath him.
Back home, Valerie couldn't shake the weight sitting in her chest. She didn't know how to face Elena or what she'd say when the truth surfaced.
When Elena was about to drop Anya off at school, Valerie suddenly called out from the hallway.
"Elena… try not to hate me when the time comes, okay? You're like the little sister I never had… and I'm sorry in advance."
Elena froze, confused.
"What are you talking about, Val? What did you do?"
But Valerie didn't answer. She just gave a half-hearted smile, turned, and walked back inside ,shoulders heavy with guilt .
Victor stared blankly out the window, lost in thought. Every mile closer to home twisted his chest tighter. By the time the plane landed, he didn't wait for the car service he slipped past the waiting driver and booked his own ride to the penthouse.
