Victoria Vance sat in the living room of the townhouse, holding a cup of tea for Isabella Moretti. Isabella was shaking, the stress of the blocked voicemail and Seraphina’s interference taking its toll.
“He doesn’t know,” Isabella whispered, her hand on her stomach. “Seraphina won’t let me near him. She’s treating me like a gold digger, but I just want him to know he has an heir.”
Victoria looked at Isabella, and a wave of recognition washed over her. She remembered her own terror three years ago–hiding her pregnancy from William because of Seraphina Rivers’s machinations.
“I know what it’s like to have a secret son,” Victoria said softly, reaching out to touch Isabella’s hand. “I know what it’s like to have a gatekeeper standing between you and the father.”
Victoria stood up, the “Matriarch” energy returning to her posture. “Tonight is the Croft Gala. It’s the biggest public event of the season. Seraphina will be watching the press line, but she won’t be watching the service entrance.”
“You can get me in?” Isabella asked.
“I’m Victoria Vance,” she smiled, a dangerous glint in her eye. “I know every door in that building. We’re going to crash the party.”