g out at the sprawling garden. The morning mist clung to the ground like a secret, covering the truth

r any sign of rebellion. This was their home. Their world. But it wasn't hers. It never had been. And with each p

knuckles turning white as she drew in a d

e ashen, eyes dark with uncertainty. She had spoken to her

ina asked, her voice low b

esn't remember you. Not truly. It's like the

her voice rising despite her attempts to keep it controlled. "We

ers. "He's already lost his grip on everything else. His empire is crumbl

nd her fists clenched at her side

within herself. "You don't know what you're asking. If you expose the truth, if you reve

ent. She wasn't here to save Celestine. She wasn't here to fix the lif

lace, my family. They didn't just ruin my life-they destroyed it. I want it bac

ne swallowed hard, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but she didn't

voice barely above a whisper. "But know thi

't hesitate. "

er with every passing second. The truth, once revealed, could tear the

phina followed her gaze. Her father's study, the place whe

eren't

house that the walls were listening. The air felt thick with

sed in a tailored suit, his face hidden in the gloom o

man's voice was smooth, his words laced with venom. "

er face draining o

e. He was older than she had imagined, his features sharp and cruel, like the cold marble stat

mured, his gaze lingering on her with a mixture of disdain and

her throat. "Bastard? I'm n

"Oh, but you are. In more ways than one. You were a mistake, a burden tha

she stepped forward, her voice t

han it already is, Celestine. I have enough problems to deal

ck. This was it. The confrontation she had been

said, her voice steady, but cold. "You may have thought you

rtant, don't you? You think the truth will save you? It won't. You're

rward, her voice gaining strength. "I'm your daug

row with a mixture of fear and disbelief. She had known what wa

into a cruel smile. "