Charles added, “There was a scandal. An affair—with the housekeeper. Your grandmother, Rose.”
The truth unfolded painfully. Rose hadn’t stolen the brooch; Liam’s grandfather had given it to her. His wife accused Rose of theft to cover the humiliation. Worse, Rose had been pregnant.
Charles explained, “My father panicked. He arranged a settlement, paid her to leave town, and the official story was that she stole the brooch and disappeared.”
I gripped Liam’s hand. “And you realized what that meant when you saw me.”
Charles nodded grimly. “If Rose kept that child, then that child was my father’s daughter. Which means you are likely his granddaughter.”
The words hung heavy in the air. Liam’s hand slipped from mine.
For illustrative purposes only
The Truth
Victoria wept. “That’s why we reacted the way we did. Not just because of the scandal, but because if you are who we believe you are, then you and Liam are blood relatives.”
Tears streamed down my face. “My grandmother wasn’t a thief. She was a woman who was betrayed and cast aside.”
Victoria whispered, “She was.”
