“But then, you always did prefer to believe I was dead so you could divide my estate.”

“This is impossible,” Gavin muttered, his grip on my wrist finally slipping away.

I pulled my arm back and took a step closer to my grandmother.

The scent of rain and lavender drifted from her damp coat.

“It was very possible,” Evelyn said, leaning slightly on her cane.

“With Daniel’s assistance, I ensured my departure was official enough to keep your hands off the primary trusts.”

She looked past me, her gaze landing squarely on my sister.

Brooke was trembling so violently she had to lean against the grand piano for support.

“And I have spent the last seven years watching what you did from the shadows,” Evelyn said.

Brooke shook her head, tears spilling down her pale cheeks.

“No, please, grandmother,” Brooke whispered.

“Seven years ago, you went to the clinic on the north coast,” Evelyn continued, her voice dropping to a cold, steady tone.

“You told the family you were taking a sabbatical to study abroad in Europe.”

“Don’t do this,” Brooke sobbed, burying her face in her hands.