Lyndon and the others spent the whole day showing Victoria around town. By evening, they ducked into a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Just as their food arrived, Victoria’s phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen—Simms was calling.
“Where are you? Dad needs to talk to you.”
Hearing Simms’s voice, Victoria could guess why he’d suddenly decided to get in touch. If it weren’t something urgent, the two of them could have gone decades without speaking.
“Just say what you need to say. But if it’s about anything other than our own family’s business, I’m not interested.”
Yasmine had already filled her in. She and Ailie had gone ahead and reported Violet to the police for stealing Victoria’s wedding dress. Now Violet was facing criminal charges. Yasmine had been a little nervous about Victoria’s reaction, worried she might be blamed, but she’d been too angry to do nothing. Victoria actually found her assistant even more endearing because of it.
She’d always trusted her instincts about people—except, perhaps, when it came to choosing a husband.
“It’s about your sister. Victoria, Violet only borrowed your wedding dress for her marriage to McNeil. Why do you have to accuse her of theft and press charges? Victoria, your father only has two daughters—you and Violet. Can’t you just drop the case, for Dad’s sake?”
Victoria arched an eyebrow.
“Daughters? Are you saying Violet is your daughter? Funny, I don’t remember Mom giving birth to an older sister for me. When did that happen? Wasn’t she Yulia’s niece? Since when did she become your biological daughter?”
She asked the question knowingly, watching Simms’s irritation rise on the other end.
“Cut the games, Victoria. Let’s just be honest. You’ve known all along that Violet is mine and Yulia’s, haven’t you? That’s right—she’s our daughter. If you don’t want to sign over the Turner family shares to me, fine. But at least remember that Violet is your real sister. Why do you two have to turn on each other?”
Victoria listened to Simms’s shameless appeal, a cold smile curling on her lips.
“Are you sure she’s my real sister? Here’s an idea—why don’t Violet and I get a DNA test together? That should settle whether we’re really related.”
She was only teasing, but Simms’s temper snapped instantly.
“Victoria, let me make this clear. I’m calling because I still want you as my daughter—I don’t want things to get ugly. Even if you insist on pressing charges, I have my ways of getting Violet out of jail. But if you’re determined to embarrass your father and refuse to drop the case, don’t blame me when I cut you off for good. From now on, we’ll go our separate ways.”
Victoria’s smile only brightened.
“What’s so scary about a DNA test, Simms? Are you afraid I’m not your daughter, or is it Violet who isn’t? What are you so worried about?”
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