Chapter 4 - VICTORIA'S FIRST LIE
Liam left the ballroom.
Avery followed him into the library.
He stood with both hands against the fireplace mantel.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Liam laughed bitterly.
“My whole life.”
Avery stayed near the door.
“My entire life was built around being Daniel Sterling's son.”
“You are Daniel Sterling's son.”
He turned.
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes.”
Liam looked toward Leo.
Avery was still holding him.
“Does this change anything about him?”
“No.”
“Does it change anything about me?”
“No.”
“Then why does it feel like everything just changed?”
Avery didn't have an answer.
The library door opened.
Victoria entered.
Liam's face hardened.
“Get out.”
“Listen to me.”
“I said get out.”
“I lied because I was protecting you.”
Liam stared at her.
“From my own father?”
“Daniel was your father.”
“Then why hide Thomas?”
Victoria's composure cracked.
“Because Thomas wanted you.”
Liam froze.
Avery did too.
Victoria lowered herself into a chair.
For the first time, she looked her age.
“Daniel and I couldn't have children.”
Her voice was quiet.
“We tried for years.”
“Thomas offered to help.”
Liam's expression twisted.
“As a donor?”
“At first.”
Avery caught the phrase.
“At first?”
Victoria looked at her.
“I don't owe you this story.”
Liam stepped forward.
“You owe me every word.”
Victoria closed her eyes.
“Thomas loved me.”
The room went silent.
Liam stared at her.
“Were you having an affair?”
“No.”
Victoria answered too quickly.
Then she looked away.
Liam understood.
“Oh, my God.”
“It happened once.”
“While you were married to Dad?”
“Daniel knew.”
Liam shook his head.
“No.”
“He knew afterward.”
“That isn't the same thing.”
Victoria stood.
“You have no idea what our marriage was like.”
“And you have no idea what mine has been like because of you.”
That hit her.
Avery saw it.
Liam continued.
“You've spent three years telling Avery she wasn't worthy of this family.”
Victoria said nothing.
“You mocked where she grew up.”
“You criticized her parents.”
“You questioned her education.”
“You told her she was lucky I chose her.”
His voice broke slightly.
“And all that time, you were hiding this?”
Victoria's face hardened again.
“My mistakes do not change who Avery is.”
“No.”
Avery finally spoke.
“They reveal who you are.”
Victoria turned sharply.
Avery stepped closer.
“You weren't protecting Liam tonight.”
“You were trying to destroy me.”
Victoria looked at Leo.
“I was protecting my grandson.”
“By stealing his DNA?”
“By finding the truth.”
Avery nodded.
“Then let's find all of it.”
Victoria went still.
Liam noticed.
“What does that mean?”
Avery looked at Victoria.
“Ask her what happened to Thomas Hale.”
Liam turned.
Victoria's face had lost all color.
“What happened to him?”
“He left.”
Avery shook her head.
“No.”
Victoria whispered.
“Stop.”
Avery continued.
“Thomas Hale didn't leave the country.”
Liam stared at her.
“How do you know?”
“Because I found him.”
Victoria's mouth opened.
No words came out.
Liam stepped toward Avery.
“You found my biological father?”
Avery nodded.
“Three weeks ago.”
“Where?”
May you like
Avery looked at Victoria.
“Twenty-seven miles from here.”
