Immediate later after the party, before Alessandro is awake...

VICTORIA's POV

I sensed curious and concerned gazes on me, even though the onlookers were my family members. It's a bit hard to stand before them with a decision to present. I intend to share my plan with them, which would facilitate a better life for both myself and my child.

So after dinner, I gathered my whole family of six people, and now they are sitting with their gazes glued on me.

"What happened, Victoria? Why did you gather all of us here?" Papa spoke first.

I cleared my throat. "Guys, I know you have supported my every decision since childhood, and even if it was stupid, you never really stopped me from doing it. You have given me space to learn the reality the hard way, which made me today's Victoria."

I inhaled sharply and continued, "Now that I have officially declared my presence and position in E Shine, I know there is much more to discover and learn. My responsibilities grow up now toward my family, my company, and my..." I caressed my stomach. "Baby."

I watched everyone as they were seriously listening to my words.

"For this little one, I want to live a peaceful and worthy life so that it can grow up with love and happiness. I want it to be healthy, and I am sure you also want it for me. So, I have taken a decision."

I noticed a subtle tension in their expressions as I glanced at everyone, anticipating the discussion about my "decision." However, unlike three years ago, I am certain about what I want and have made a thoughtful choice. "Before I take my seat as the CEO in E Shine, I would like to further my studies and give birth to my baby healthily and peacefully in... Paris."

With my words falling out of my mouth, I thought I would hear gasps and a clear "no" from my mother precisely, yet to my surprise, there was no such reaction.

I watched their silent gazes, and finally, mama opened her mouth. "Are you sure you want to do this?" She asked.

I nodded firmly and calmly. "Yes, mama."

Approaching me, she sat by my side and gently grasped my hands, her eyes becoming tender and moist.

"I know, baby. I am a mother too. Sometimes, a mother's actions may seem tough, but they are always done with the best interests of their children at heart. I can empathize with your perspective on this matter. I am glad you have decided to move on with your life. We are always beside you, no matter what." She said as I felt ticklish at the corner of my eyes.

Papa came to me and touched my cheeks. "Don't cry, baby. Your mother is right."

"Yeah, and if you want, you can take care of E Shine's branch in Paris," Antonio added.

"Oh, I am going to miss my young princess." Maria sniffed on her husband's shoulder, and James only nodded, seeming sad.

"Please, don't be sad. I will come back to visit you. You are my family, and no one can stay away from their family too long." I said, choking in every line, trying to coax myself with my own words. Mama's arms wrapped around me, taking me into sweet comfort. "No need to fret; we'll divide our time equally between you and Antonio. We'll spend six months with each of you, ensuring that neither will feel our absence. How does that sound?"

"Better idea," I replied and closed my eyes, replaceing solace on my mother's shoulder - the most comforting place.

****

The next morning...

CAMILLA...

I don't know what just happened. It seems my created world suddenly fell apart with just one turn. How does it happen?

Victoria Blake turned out to be Victoria Edwards in just a snap. The heiress of Edwards! Fuck! How come no one knows about her real identity? How did he not know?

Leaning back against the prison wall, I only hope Lisa has given mom the number. I discreetly slipped it into her hand.

I don't understand one thing, how did she devise such an idea to frame me? And even if she does, why does it seem she was not making up anything? Could it have really happened?

I definitely didn't drug him this time. So, who could have done it... Wait! A thought came to mind, causing me to sit up straight and become alert to the situation. Could it be him?

As I was sitting on the ground, drowned in thoughts, the cell door opened, and one police constable went inside. I stared up at him.

He stretched his right hand to me, holding a cell phone. "Take it; he wants to talk to you."

"Who?" I asked, not trusting him and alert of his next step.

"You will know," he said, keeping the phone before me and leaving the cell.

Staring at it for some time, I picked it up. "Hello?"

"How is it to stay in jail, huh?" His annoying tone echoed in my head, and I wanted to punch his fucking sorry face!

"Shut up! You're making fun of me instead of assisting me! How dare you!?" I couldn't control my anger anymore.

His annoying chuckle came next, which made me grit my teeth. "Oh, don't you dare shout at me?" His tone seemed to be cool, but I know he wasn't. That particular line was painted with the rage he was not showing. Surprisingly, hearing those words actually helped me manage my own emotions. After all, he was my only means of escaping this place.

"Please, don't get angry. But... I didn't do it. I didn't drug him. Trust me."

His chuckle came again. "I know..."

"That means..." I gasped. So, I was right!

"Yeah, I did. I drugged him." He replied.

"Why? Why would you do that? You know I love Aless. I..."

"Shut up!" He growled, making me cringe as I moved the phone a little from my ear. It seemed like he was nearby, which was not possible. That man is powerful enough to send the police to give me his phone. "I have sent you to do my work in his life. And what did you do? You fell in love with him. Was that my fault? Fucking stupid woman. This is why involving a woman in your plans is not advisable as they always spoil them." His tone was cold, and that scared me.

I can't stay here. I need to get out of this shitty place!

"I... I am sorry! Please... please help me get out of here. Dominic!" I begged him.

He didn't reply for a moment, and then his cold tone came through the phone.

"I will only help you this time, but from now on, you and your mother must heed my every word without exception. One mistake Camilla, and you know what will happen." After those words, he cut the call.

*********

Author's note:

This chapter has gone through a major edit.

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