Silence.
That was all Elira could hear after the words hit her like shrapnel.
“I’m her biological mother.”
The stranger stood in the doorway with eyes that mirrored Amira’s and a voice that didn’t tremble. Damien was frozen beside her. The air between them was razor-wire.
Elira’s hand gripped the countertop so tight her knuckles went white.
“That’s not possible,” she said flatly.
The woman held out the birth certificate again. It was crisp. Government-sealed. Amira Blackwood—Mother: Livia Hale.
Damien took it. Scanned it. His mouth pressed into a flat, unreadable line.
Elira looked at him.
“Say something,” she breathed.
“I’ve… never seen this before,” he said hoarsely.
Livia stepped into the house like she belonged, ignoring the fact that Elira was seconds away from exploding. “
