Jensen stood frozen for a few seconds, caught off guard by the words. He fell silent, lost in thought.

Charlotte stayed at the table with Sean and Wesley until the meal was

nearly over. Suddenly remembering something, she looked up and asked, “How… how’s Mom doing?”

Sean hesitated for a moment, but Wesley answered, “Same old problems. Sometimes, if she gets too worked up, she’ll faint, but nothing too serious. If she saw you, she’d be over the moon.”

“Yeah, that’s right,” Sean chimed in. “Why don’t youe back with us and visit her for a bit?”

Charlotte simply nodded and didn’t object.

Back at the house.

As soon as they stepped inside, Loretta came rushing down the stairs, her usual eager self. “Dad, Wes-”

But when she caught a glimpse of Charlotte stepping out from behind Wesley, her face went ghost–white. “You… you weren’t supposed to-”

Every eye in the foyer snapped to Loretta’s stunned face.

Charlotte frowned in confusion. “What is it?”

Loretta stammered, “Uh… I… I heard you were in a car ident. I thought you–well, I’m d you’re okay…” She didn’t notice Wesley giving her a long, meaningful look from the side.

Charlotte gave a calm, almost amused smile. “Were you hoping

something had happened to me?”

Loretta choked, quickly looking away. “Of course not…”

“Loretta, there’s something I need to tell you,” Sean said, his voice

b13:04 /b

suddenly serious.

Loretta’s heart skipped a beat. She seemed to know what wasing. Before anyone could react, she hurried forward and dropped to her knees at Sean’s feet.

Sean was taken aback. “Loretta, what are you—”

“Mr. Rayburn, I… I already guessed I wasn’t really your daughter. My real parents were never kind to me–they either hit me or yelled at me, alwaysining I was a disappointment just because I’m a girl. I truly thought I was your daughter, and I was so happy to be here.”

She took a shaky breath, tears streaming down her face. “But then I noticed I don’t look anything like you, or Wes, and that day… I overheard what you said to Wesley. That’s when I realized the truth. I’m so sorry I took your daughter’s ce for so long.”

“But Mr. Rayburn, if you send me back now, they’ll force me to marry some old man just for a dowry. I’m only twenty. I don’t want that!”

Sobbing, Loretta pressed her forehead to the floor, tears and snot smearing her cheeks. “Please, just let me stay a little longer. I promise, once I find a job and can support myself, I’ll leave and won’t bother you anymore!”

Sean nced at Charlotte, suddenly wondering if his daughter had suffered the same kind of hardships all these years. He felt his resolve

waver.

He quickly reached down to help Loretta up. “Alright, alright, get up.”

Loretta wiped her tears, looking utterly pitiful,

“Since you already know the truth, I won’t say anything more,” Sean said, his tone gentle but firm. “I’m sorry–we were the ones who made the mistake and put you in this awkward situation. You don’t need to return the clothes or jewelry I gave you. But as for staying here…”

He hesitated, looking to Charlotte for her opinion.

Loretta’s heart pounded. She was sure this woman would kick her out.

213

13:04

“If you want to stay, you can stay,” Charlotte said quietly.

Wesley looked at Charlotte, surprised, as if understanding something in

that instant.

Loretta stared, stunned, unable to react for a long moment.

Sean nodded. “Well, since my daughter has spoken, you can stay for

now.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rayburn!” Loretta bowed deeply, a sh of sly

satisfaction flickering across her face.

Rich people really are easy to fool!

Good thing she was such a convincing actress!

But Charlotte had survived after all… No, this wouldn’t do. She’d have to

get in touch with Tricia ande up with a new n.

bChapter /bb353 /b