Chapter 2: The Sterling Net
Victoria woke up to the sterile smell of bleach and the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor. Her body was a roadmap of bruises, her ribs taped tightly. Standing at the foot of her bed wasn't a doctor, but Richard Sterling, Julian’s father, holding a thick manila envelope.
"You had a terrible accident, Victoria," Richard said, his tone dripping with artificial sympathy. "The police report states you tripped on the balcony railing. We’ve already taken care of the medical bills. There’s a non-disclosure agreement in here, along with a settlement that ensures you never have to work a day in your life."
Victoria looked past him. Officer Davis was standing outside the glass door, looking frustrated. He had been barred from interviewing her by the hospital administration—an administration Julian heavily influenced.
"He tried to kill me, Richard," Victoria whispered, her jaw aching.
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"Julian is a prestigious surgeon and the heir to this city's medical legacy," Richard replied, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "You are an orphan from upstate with no family to miss you. If you push this, the narrative will change. We will ruin your reputation, label you mentally unstable, and you will end up in an institution with nothing. Take the money, Victoria. Sign the papers, or we will bury you."
They thought they had broken her. But as Richard left the room, Victoria looked at the envelope. Underneath her fear, a cold, burning desire for retribution took root. She wasn't going to sign. She was going to fight.
