Chapter 47
Michael was all but numb with both outrage and sorrow at the revelations Irina had, one by one, divulged. He had trouble even finding words to say to her. “My God, Irina, I never dreamed … I know my father is no good, but I had no idea how completely evil he’s been all these years. Much as I don’t want to believe this is true, I know it is. I’m so sorry he put you through all this. And I’m sorry for Zoe, that the girl should have such a cruel, heartless father.”
Irina sat stiffly, her face a mask. “I made mistakes,” she said. “I did. And I allowed many things to happen that I now hate myself for. But I got Zoe away from him, and I’ve tried to be a good mother to her.”
“I’m sure you are,” he said.
She gave him a wry smile. ”In Paris, I even tried marriage, hoping to find happ
