“But he didn’t listen, and now, look where we are. Their meeting wasn’t accidental. I’m sure of it.”
Impassively, I listen to his story, as it’s clear he needs to get this off his chest.
“But I was weak too. I shouldn’t blame Frank because this is my fault as much as it is his,” he confesses, revealing he isn’t looking for her for revenge for his son but rather, himself.
“I’m merely a man, Aleksei. I fell under her spell, and I’m not proud of this fact. She made me believe she loved me, and that I should have my wife…taken care of so she could take her place. She called off the engagement because she said she wanted me. But I soon discovered it was my money that she really loved.
“She stole from this family, not only our riches but our dignity as well. She tricked Frank and me into bel
