Sophie’s Flower Basket
Chapter 07 - Sophie’s Flower Basket
A child advocate interviewed Sophie privately in a quiet hotel suite.
Amanda remained nearby but outside until Sophie requested her.
The flower basket contained more than the ring.
Beneath the satin lining was a tiny audio recorder.
Sophie had not placed it there.
The hotel technician traced it to Julian’s phone.
He planned to capture Sophie crying, refusing to apologize, and saying she hated him. Edited clips would support Keller’s diagnosis.
The recorder preserved earlier audio too.
Victoria instructing Julian to place the ring deeper inside the basket.
Keller rehearsing questions.
Julian saying:
“Once Amanda sees the ring, she will choose the marriage. She cannot survive another public loss.”
Victoria answered:
“She will choose whichever story protects her from shame.”
They had not only studied the trust.
They had studied Amanda’s grief.
After Michael died, she avoided public conflict and feared appearing incapable of raising Sophie alone.
Julian turned that fear into a forecast.
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He believed Amanda would sacrifice her daughter’s credibility to preserve the wedding.
He was wrong.
