Charlotte stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. “Wesley, the truth is, 1-”

“Young master.”

Before she could finish, a bodyguard strode over with a folder in hand, cutting her off.

Wesley shot Charlotte an apologetic nce. “Sorry.”

She managed a small smile. “It’s fine.”

He took the folder, stepped aside, and opened it ito /icheck the results again.

But nothing had changed.

Wesley stood frozen, silent as death, his fingers pressing the corner of the report until it nearly crumpled.

From the ilook /ion the bodyguard’s face, Charlotte guessed what the report contained. She walked over. “Wesley…”

His eyes flickered over the results, and his expression tightened.

She frowned.

How could this be?

Wesley slipped the report away and looked at her. “I have to step out for a while. Lottie, would you mind keeping an eye on my mother for me?”

Snapping out of her daze, Charlotte nodded stiffly.

Once Wesley and the bodyguard had left, Charlotte lowered her gaze.

The result was 99.99%.

Loretta was really the Rayburn family’s daughter?

Could she have gotten it wrong?

Or maybe–was it possible there were two identical gold coins, and hers just happened to match Loretta’s?

“Sweetheart!” Mrs. Rayburn bustled in, clutching a small chest, Julian trailing behind.

Charlotte looked up to see Mrs. Rayburn setting the chest ion /ithe floor and opening it. It was filled with her most treasured possessions–even some old family heirlooms and antique paintings.

Julian scratched his head. “Ma’am, you’ve really cleaned out the vault for

this.”

“Darling,e look. Is there anything here you like?”

The more eager and affectionate Mrs. Rayburn became, the heavier Charlotte’s heart felt.

She had hoped…

“Why do you look sad, darling?” Mrs. Rayburn noticed her mood and cupped Charlotte’s face. “Did someone upset you?”

Charlotte let out a shakyugh. “No one did, godmother. These are all your treasures. If I took them, someone would just try to steal them from me. You should keep them safe for me, alright?”

“Of course! Mommy will take good care of everything for you.”

Charlotte helped her carry the chest back to the bedroom. Julian slipped out ito /itake a call, leaving just Charlotte and Mrs. Rayburn alone.

As they sorted through the “treasure box,” Mrs. Rayburn set aside every little gem, every pretty trinket, saying she’d keep it for her daughter. Charlotte’s eyes burned, her voice rough as she whispered, “Mom.”

She spoke so softly, she thought only she could hear it.

Mrs. Rayburn suddenly paused.

She turned, and for a moment, tears shimmered in her eyes too.

But in the blink of an eye, her body went limp and she fainted.

b2/3 /b

14.44

Charlotte rushed to catch her. “Godmother-b!/b”

She called for help, but at that very moment, Loretta appeared at the door. Taking in the scene, she shoved Charlotte aside in rm. “It’s you? How dare you hurt my mother!”

“I didn’t! Mrs. Rayburn just fainted.”

“Don’t lie! I know you-” Loretta’s gaze swept over the bed and the chest, eyes widening at the jewelry and heirlooms inside.

This foolish old woman had been hiding all these valuables–and never gave them to her!

Her eyes narrowed further as she spotted a sapphire brooch that had fallen from Charlotte’s pocket. Pointing at it, Loretta shrieked, “I knew it! You’re only here for my mother’s jewels! You little thief!”

Charlotte’s temper red, but seeing how unwell Mrs. Rayburn was, she turned back to help her, gently easing her into afortable position.

Loretta shoved her again. “You thief! Still trying to hurt my mother?”

Charlotte’s eyes burned with anger. “Loretta, if you’ve lost your mind, then get out! I’m a doctor. Can’t you see Mrs. Rayburn needs help?”

b14.44 /b