Page 123 of Wisteria and Cloves
Mara's expression grew more serious. "Financial pressure. They could claim you're being financially exploited, that the courting arrangement was coercive. They might also try to invoke old contracts or agreements they claim you signed as a minor."
"I never signed anything," I said quickly, then paused. "At least, nothing I was aware of."
"That's what they're counting on," Nicolaus interjected, his fingers moving across his tablet screen. "I've been reviewing your family's legal history. There are several documents with your signature from when you were sixteen and seventeen—mostly social events, charity commitments, that sort of thing."
My blood ran cold. "I remember signing things for galas and fundraisers but they always said it was just permission slips or attendance confirmations."
"That's likely what they told you," Mara said, her voice softening slightly. "But we need to operate under the assumption that some of those signatures could have been on documents with broader implications. Financial arrangements, trust agreements, even medical authorizations."
Julian's hand tightened over mine, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. "We've already started a comprehensive audit of all documents bearing Lilianna's signature," he said, his voice calm but with an edge of steel. "Our legal team has been working through them since yesterday."
"Good," Mara nodded approvingly. "In the meantime, we need to establish Lilianna's current financial independence." She turned to me. "Do you have your own accounts now? Separate from your family?"
"Yes," I replied, though my voice wavered slightly. "Julian helped me set up accounts when I first arrived. But honestly, I'm still learning how to manage my own finances. My parents controlled everything before."
"That's actually an advantage," Mara said, making another note. "It demonstrates your transition to independence rather than suggesting you were already making poor financial decisions they needed to intervene in."
She flipped to another page in her folder. "Now, let's discuss timeline. Based on the pattern of their previous actions, I expect they'll escalate within the next two weeks. Probably around the time your social media presence reaches a critical mass—maybe twenty-five thousand followers."
"Why that number specifically?" Christopher asked.
"It's the threshold where brands start taking notice, where influence becomes measurable," Mara explained. "Your parents will want to act before Lilianna establishes herself as independently successful.” Pausing to let me adjust before continuing. "But controlling the narrative has its advantages. If we share your story on your terms, we remove their ability to weaponize it against you." She tapped her manicured fingernail against the paper. "The public loves authenticity, especially from those they perceive as privileged."
Julian leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "What exactly would we reveal?"
"Not everything," Mara replied. "Just enough. The basics of your family's manipulation, Lilianna's decision to forge her own path, and the fact that this arrangement—" she gestured between Julian and me, "—while unconventional, was entered into with full awareness and agency by both parties."
I shifted uncomfortably, the idea of revealing even that much making my stomach twist. "I don't know if I'm ready to share all of that with strangers."
Mara's eyes softened slightly. "You don't have to. That's the beauty of controlled narrative—we decide how much to share and when. The goal isn't to air your family's dirty laundry; it's to establish your agency before they can strip it away."
Miles moved from the window to sit on the arm of the couch beside me, his presence adding another layer of security. "What about her health records? The suppressants?"
A shadow crossed Mara's face. "That's where things get complicated. Your parents had you on suppressants far longer than medically advisable. If that information becomes public, it could trigger an investigation."
"Into them?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes," Mara confirmed
"But that would mean exposing their medical negligence," I said, trying to process what this might mean. "Wouldn't that damage their reputation?"
"Significantly," Mara nodded, her expression grim. "Which is precisely why they're trying to control this narrative before that aspect becomes public. They're building a defense—suggesting any health issues you experience are due to your current situation, not their years of over-medication."
I felt a chill run through me despite the warmth of Julian's hand on mine. "They'd really go that far? Rewrite medical history?"
"People who stand to lose everything often do," Mara replied simply. "The Waycliffes have built their social standing on presenting the perfect family image. A medical scandal would destroy that overnight."
Nicolaus leaned forward, his blue eyes intent. "We have copies of all of Lilianna's medical records from the past five years," he said, his voice steady. "Dr. Chen was thorough when she took over Lilianna's care. The suppressant dosages were well beyond recommended levels for someone her age and presentation."
Mara's eyebrows rose slightly. "That's excellent documentation. Medical records don't lie, and they'll be nearly impossible for your parents to dispute." She made another note in her folder. "We'll need Dr. Chen to provide a formalassessment of the long-term effects of over-suppression, but that could be our strongest defense against any claims of instability."
"Is that necessary?" I asked, my voice smaller than I intended. "Dragging Dr. Chen into this feels... invasive."
Julian's thumb continued its soothing circles on my hand. "Dr. Chen volunteered to help when Nicolaus first contacted her," he said gently. "She was concerned about the long-term effects of your previous treatment and wants to ensure you have the support you need."
Mara nodded in agreement. "Medical professionals take over-suppression very seriously. Dr. Chen understands that your parents' actions could have caused permanent damage—she wants to prevent that from happening to other omegas."
I swallowed hard, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. "Other omegas?"
