Chapter 7 - VICTORIA’S MEDICINE
The hospital result changed the investigation.
Victoria had an active prescription for the same blood thinner found in Emma’s system. Pharmacy records showed she collected a refill four days before the attack, even though she should have had several weeks of medication remaining.
Victoria claimed she lost the original bottle.
Investigators found it inside a locked kitchen cabinet at the estate.
Several tablets were missing.
A used teacup recovered from the formal dining room contained residue consistent with Emma’s account. The cup had been washed quickly but not thoroughly.
The silver-polish cloth carried Emma’s fingerprints, exactly as Carter and Victoria intended.
It also carried Victoria’s skin cells and traces from the replica tray bearing the modern hallmark Emma had refused to clean.
The remaining original silver was traced through private sales arranged by one of Carter’s investment associates. Proceeds had been routed toward debt connected to the estate.
The family’s elegant traditions were financing collapse.
Carter and Victoria tried to frame Emma because her professional knowledge made her the one person inside the house capable of recognizing the fraud.
Her pregnancy made the deception more dangerous for them. If she left with the baby, she could testify without depending on the Whitmore family for housing, money, or access.
May you like
The child was not a mistake because Carter did not want a son.
The child was a mistake because motherhood had finally convinced Emma she had to survive.
