Emma returned from seeing Robert to find the waiting room had gained an unwelcome visitor.
Victoria Ashford hadn't left.
Despite Sophie's dismissal, despite the clear message that she wasn't wanted, Victoria had somehow maneuvered herself into a chair beside Caroline, speaking in low, soothing tones that made Emma's stomach turn.
"—remember when Robert had that health scare in the Hamptons? You were so worried, but he bounced back. He's strong. He'll get through this too." Victoria's hand was on Caroline's arm, her expression perfectly calibrated between sympathetic and familiar.
And Caroline—exhausted, terrified, vulnerable—was actually listening.
Emma stopped in the doorway, suddenly feeling like an intruder in a family moment she had no right to witness.
Sophie saw her first, her expression tightening with frustration. But before she could say anything, Victoria looked up and smiled—sweet, condescending, dismissive.
