“And what about me?” I asked, my voice remaining steady.

“You framed me five years ago.”

“You and Ethan let everyone believe I was the one who stole from the charity.”

Vanessa flinched, looking down at the polished floor.

“We did not have a choice,” she whispered, her shoulders shaking.

“Dad said it was the only way to keep the family name intact.”

“He promised me we would make it up to you once the heat died down.”

“By letting me lose my license?” I asked.

“By letting me carry your guilt while you planned a million-dollar wedding?”

Gabriel stepped forward, his tall frame casting a long shadow over Vanessa.

“You need to leave, Vanessa,” he said, his tone icy and absolute.

“Claire is not fixing your books.”

“She is not fixing anything for you ever again.”

Vanessa ignored him, keeping her eyes locked onto mine.

“Claire, please, we are family,” she begged, taking another step forward.

“Blood has to mean something.”

“It meant nothing to you when you signed those forged documents,” I said.

I pulled my coat tighter around my shoulders.