2. The Preparation

From that night forward, I was no longer just a pregnant wife. I was a strategist. I had a life to protect, and I was facing a ruthless, financially motivated opponent.

I maintained the perfect illusion of the overwhelmed, emotionally fragile wife. I was quiet, often withdrawn, letting Margaret’s constant, subtle barbs of gaslighting—the misplaced keys, the “forgotten” appointments, the whispers of my “nerves”—land, convincing her that her campaign was successfully pushing me toward a nervous breakdown.

But under the guise of “setting up the nursery” and “nesting,” I began my counter-offensive. My weapon was silent, small, and perfectly placed, utilizing the vastness of the Sterling mansion against my enemies.