Chapter 2 – The Woman Everyone Erased
Margaret pushed through the crowd without asking permission.
Her trembling hands cupped Lily's face.
"Those eyes..."
She began crying.
"They're exactly like your mother's."
Julian looked between them.
"You knew Rose?"
Margaret laughed bitterly.
"I raised her."
Silence.
Victoria stepped forward.
"This is ridiculous."
Margaret ignored her.
"Your grandfather lied."
Every member of the Ashcombe family froze.
Julian's uncle nearly dropped his champagne.
Margaret continued.
"Rose never stole anything."
"What?"
"They framed her."
The ballroom erupted.
"No..."
"Impossible..."
Margaret nodded.
"The board wanted her gone."
"Why?"
"Because she discovered someone was stealing millions from the family foundation."
Julian's heartbeat accelerated.
"Who?"
Margaret looked toward the VIP table.
Straight at Julian's father.
Edward Ashcombe.
His face had gone completely white.
"You."
Edward slammed his glass onto the table.
"Enough!"
"Security!"
"No more lies."
Margaret reached into her handbag.
"I kept copies."
She placed a thick envelope into Julian's hands.
Inside were bank transfers...
Forged signatures...
Medical records...
And one birth certificate.
Mother:
Rose Ashcombe.
Father:
Unknown.
Child:
Lillian Rose Carter.
Julian looked at Lily.
She wasn't a stranger.
She was his cousin.
May you like
Before anyone could react—
Edward suddenly collapsed.
