Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 87996 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87996 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“I assumed she had a change of heart when she realized her lack of attendance wasn’t going to stop anything.” The second those words came out of my mouth, I knew they weren’t true.
It would have been more like my mother to shun me for not needing her. If I hadn’t been her daughter, she would be spreading rumors and lies. The only reason I didn’t think she would resort to that wasn’t out of motherly love. It was because if there was a fault with my behavior, it could be attributed to her, and she would never allow it.
“When you came to get me because Olivia was missing, she insisted she come with me,” Harrison added, putting his head in his hands. “Then she wanted to call the police. She wanted a scene.” Harrison stared into his coffee.
“My current working theory is that she is making these moves against DuBois and making it look like it’s me, to antagonize him. She might even have fed him the idea to abduct Olivia. I think she has this big plan to pit us all against each other and set it up so you find Olivia, Harrison. Then when you very publicly bring her home, I will be grateful enough to not reveal your secret.” Luc laid everything out.
It made my head spin and my stomach flip, but it made sense. Worse than that, it sounded just like her.
“Oh Harrison, you know we would never reveal that, or anything else that could hurt you or your career.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Harrison said. “It’s not my secret. I don’t give a fuck if the entire world knows that our dad isn’t my biological father. It won’t have any impact on my standing or my office. This is not 1742, my parentage is not my fault. It’s not me or my reputation she is trying to protect. It’s hers. If this gets out, then she will be the scandal of the season. It would be worse than when Marksen’s mother left. She is trying to save herself.”
I didn’t think I had ever heard Harrison swear. He was stressed and starting to fray a little at the edges. My brother was a kind, sweet man to those he loved.
He was reserved and steadfast. He lived by a code of conduct and never strayed, but I had heard the stories of him in court. Harrison had earned his place in the world, taken it on like a warrior in the courtroom. Every case was a battle, and he was vicious.
He was always the perfect gentleman until he wasn’t, then he was ruthless.
I hoped my mother knew what she was getting into. Harrison’s protection only went so far when he felt you were in the wrong. And if she did this, he would definitely hold her responsible.
The men talked for a few more minutes. I honestly stopped listening. It wasn’t that I didn’t care or wasn’t able to understand. My mind went to my mother and Harrison’s real father. She must have been married when she got pregnant. Did she ever love my father? I knew their marriage was arranged, but still, I believed that love grew between them.
Did she actually love Harrison’s real father? Had Harrison ever met his real father? Had I met him and never known it? Harrison said that our father knew, and it didn’t change anything. How was that possible?
Was I also a bastard? My sister? Benjamin? Were any of us really legitimate?
This raised so many questions and I understood why my mother was fighting so viciously to protect this secret. It would bring up every single question I had wondered and many more.
I was happily married, and Luc didn’t care. I believed he loved me. Even if my father lost everything due to my mother’s shame and scandal, Luc would love me.
Rose wasn’t married yet. No doubt my mother was scrambling to make a match for her and even pressuring Benjamin and Harrison to take brides. Not for the safety or happiness of her children. No, Mary Quinn Astrid would never act out of any kind of maternal concern. She used people who had to fight for her or be dragged down alongside her, other families’ money, and influence to shield her from scandal.
“Call me if you find anything else. I am going to have a few trusted people make some discreet inquiries and I’ll call you when I have anything.” Harrison stood, the scraping sound of the chair across the hardwood floor pulling me out of my thoughts, and I smiled up at him.
“Will do.” Luc stood and offered his hand to my brother.
They shook then Harrison leaned down to place a kiss on my cheek. “Marriage suits you, but if he ever hurts you, call me. I am sure I can find a few skeletons and charge him with something.”