After Edward and Eleanor had left the apartment Victoria had begun to think. She had considered all of the possibilities including the deal her father-in-law had proposed. She had also thought about David. About what was happening to him in that moment. Images of him being questioned and not being able to win against the lies Conrad had been spreading. She felt his desperation and she knew that he trusted her, that he believed in her. She also believed that she was strong enough. She had promised to help him, to take care of Amanda. But how should she do that? Did David really think that Nolan Ross kid was the solution to it all? She didn't see how he could possibly be of any help to them. After a while and imagining all possible future scenarios, Victoria's head had started to ache. She was angry at herself. How could she have been so stupid? Why did she get pregnant? Why did she let that happen? Again, she would bring a child into this world, which wouldn't have an easy life right from its birth. She felt like she had ruined another innocent person's life just because of her egoistic behavior. This child would probably never know what it meant to live a normal life.

At that point, Daniel had been asleep in her lap. She caressed his hair, a tear rolling down her cheek. He was the best thing that happened to her in all of her life. He was her symbol of perfection, of a life she had always longed to live, a live that Conrad had given her. No matter how much she despised him , no matter what he did, she could not deny the fact that he had made her dreams come true and made her probably the most influential woman in the Hamptons. Of course, their marriage had never been perfect and bad things happened between them which had led them to the current situation. But as she saw Daniel peacefully sleeping, cuddled up in his mother's arms, and she thought about the life he would have, the most privileged life someone could possibly lead, with the best education, a caring family and the promise of a carefree childhood. The longer she thought about that, the more she got the feeling that she was doing injustice to the child she was carrying. Why should she or he be Daniel's sibling but not enjoy all of the privileges he experienced. It was just not fair to do that to an innocent child. All of their lives were already ruined, so maybe, Victoria thought, it was her responsibility to make sure that at least her children's lives would be stable. The idea spun around in her head for a little longer before she got up and talked to the security guy the Graysons had placed in front of the apartment. "Call Edward Grayson. I have to speak to him". Victoria said coldly, aware of the fact that she was about to ruin a man's and a girl's life in order to secure her own children's happiness.

"Mom?" Daniel interrupted his mother's stream of thoughts and only met her empty stare while she was stirring in her cup of tea.

"Hm?" Victoria whispered, pulled from the thoughts that had haunted her ever since she had agreed to Edward's deal and had more or less reconciled with Conrad. In the first two weeks she had refused to talk to him, although he had done his best in apologizing to her for everything he had said and done. Finally, she had given in to him, but he knew that he was not allowed to touch her and she had also made sure that Daniel was schooled at home and was not send away to boarding school again.

"Mrs. Cranston is sick today, so Daddy said that we can spend the day together and I don't have to do schoolwork." Daniel smiled expectantly.

"Oh, sure, yes, baby. I'm sorry, I'm still a bit tired." She pulled her son onto her lap and kissed his cheek. She knew that Conrad had also done his best in bonding with his son again. He was also coming home early from work, even with David Clarke's case taking up most of his time.

Tomorrow was their big day. Everyone was already nervous because Victoria would make her first public appearance at an official press conference. She got sick when she thought about that. They had told her what to say, which lies to spread about David. She knew it was the worst betrayal and she hated herself for doing it. Also, nobody knew about her pregnancy, so that would be the big news tomorrow. Of course, Conrad would proudly announce that they have been blessed to have another child in such difficult times. He would hold her hand, they had insisted on the couples' body contact. Victoria wasn't sure if she could go through with that, but she had to be strong. She had to push the images of David's eyes away. How they had promised each other that they would be a family.

"I want to play hide and seek, mommy." Daniel attracted his mother's attention again.

"Uhm, how about we rather watch a movie together, Danny. You know your baby sister is making it hard for me to hide in small corners."

"Thar's okay, too, I guess." Daniel jumped from Victoria's lap and paced to the living room. "I'm picking my favorite movie!"

"Okay, I'll be right there. I have to make a phone call first."

Victoria went to her bedroom and made sure that no staff was anywhere near. She pulled a small piece of paper from under the mattress and began to dial. Yes, she would betray David, but she would also use her newly gained power in order to help him have a chance of being a free man again.

There was silence at the other side of the line.

"Hello, Mr. Ross, this is Victoria Grayson again. I need your help. I have a plan."

"I had already pegged you as an ungrateful bitch. So please, surprise me."

Thank you all for your kind reviews, I was really happy to see that you are still there. :) As you can see I'm posting shorter chapters now, but I'm planning on writing longer ones soon enough. As some of you have noticed the update date of the story still stayed "13/1/16" and there is no e-mail notification being sent out. Apparently, this is a problem that is happening to many user and it's so annoying. I hope they can fix that soon. As always please let me know about your thoughts! :)