Chapter 15 - Victoria’s mistake after DNA
Victoria made her worst post-wedding mistake ten days after the DNA result.
She issued a public statement.
Without asking me.
Her attorney released:
After twenty-two years, Victoria Ashford’s missing daughter Hannah has been found alive. The family requests privacy during reunification.
Hannah.
Not Claire.
Found.
Reunification.
I saw the statement online before she called.
I called her first.
“What did you do?”
“Claire—”
“My name is Claire.”
“I know.”
“You just told the world I’m Hannah.”
“You are.”
“No. Hannah is a name you gave a newborn.”
Silence.
“I am not saying I’ll never use it. I’m saying you didn’t ask.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You keep deciding who I am.”
That landed.
Good.
Victoria withdrew nothing because the statement was already public.
She issued a correction:
Claire Monroe has confirmed a biological relationship to Victoria Ashford. Any decisions regarding her name, privacy, or relationship to the Ashford family belong to Claire.
Better.
Too late.
Reporters still arrived.
May you like
I stayed inside Naomi’s apartment for two days.
Victoria learned that finding a daughter did not grant ownership over the adult who returned.
