Ryan stood frozen in his father’s study, the words echoing in his skull like church bells tolling doom.
It isn’t me. It’s your mother.
The marble floor beneath him might as well have cracked open. For years, he had seen his mother as the wronged woman, the proud matriarch who never let a slight go unanswered, who carried her rage against the Reynolds like a banner of righteousness. She had scorned Eve, spat venom at her name, looked at her like filth beneath her shoes. Ryan had thought it was cruelty bred of pride.
But now…
Now he saw the truth creeping from the shadows. Leah Ashbrook’s hatred hadn’t been righteousness. It had been fear. Desperation. A woman’s fury masking guilt.
Ryan’s mouth went dry. His father’s eyes, tired and defeated, wouldn’t meet his.
“What did she do?” Ryan’
