The Confrontation
That evening, I returned to the estate with Liam. We placed the brooch on the coffee table. Victoria gasped, Charles stared as if it might explode.
“I had it appraised,” I said. “It’s authentic. Engraved with your family crest.”
Victoria broke first. “It belonged to Liam’s grandfather’s wife. She wore it to every formal event. It was reported stolen over 25 years ago. The housekeeper was accused.”
My heart pounded.
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.
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