“I never wanted Christopher to be harmed,” Valerie claimed softly, tears pooling in her eyes.

“Samuel swore to me that he would release Christopher unharmed as soon as the stock transfer was finalized.”

Martha placed both hands flat on the table.

“You wanted the entire world to believe my son was dead.”

“I did not have any other choice!” Valerie cried out defensively.

“Every adult has choices,” Martha replied sternly.

“Most people just do not like paying the consequences of their actions.”

“You do not understand the terrifying pressure I was under,” Valerie sobbed.