The grandfather clock in the corner ticked loud and slow.

“Richard,” Ethan said.

I closed my eyes, the tears finally spilling over my eyelashes.

“It was Richard,” I whispered.

Ethan stood up, knocking his chair back against the wall.

“What did you say?” he asked.

“Your uncle,” I said, my voice cracking.

I sank onto the bottom step of the grand staircase, my knees giving out.

“He did this to me,” I said.

Ethan stared at me, his face turning pale.

“When?” he asked.

“Three years ago,” I said, looking down at my hands.

“He came to the estate when your father was away in New York,” I said.

“He told me he would destroy my family if I ever told a soul.”

“He threatened to deport my grandmother,” I said.

Ethan’s hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.

“Why didn’t you tell my father?” Ethan asked, his voice shaking.

“I was afraid,” I said.

“Richard is a monster, Ethan.”

I pulled my apron tight around myself, shivering.

“But your father found out anyway,” I whispered.

Ethan took a step toward me.