Chapter 9 - Victoria Had Always Resented Claire’s Decision
The motive went back years.
Claire and Victoria were sisters.
But they were never close in the sentimental way outsiders assumed.
Victoria was older by four years.
Competitive.
She married early, divorced, and spent heavily maintaining a lifestyle she could no longer easily afford.
Claire was quieter.
More careful.
When their grandmother died, both women inherited assets.
Victoria sold much of hers.
Claire preserved hers.
That difference became resentment.
When Claire created the trust for Noah, Victoria told her:
“You’re putting everything into a toddler who already has Rocco’s money.”
Claire answered:
“It’s mine. I decide.”
Victoria never forgot that.
After Claire died, she started telling herself something comforting:
Claire would have wanted her sister involved.
Then:
Claire would have wanted Victoria compensated for helping.
Then:
Claire would not have cared about a few administrative expenses.
Then the invoices grew.
Entitlement rarely arrives announcing itself as theft.
It evolves through excuses.
Marcus made the system possible.
May you like
Victoria made it personal.
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