That night, two people who should have been close spent their lonely evening apart.
Catherine received an unexpected guest—her father, Averill.
She received him in the study. It all started with the phone call that morning.
"Catherine, I'm not your biological father," Averill had said on the phone.
In the study, Catherine's expression was complex, while Averill appeared somewhat weary.
"You are your mother's child, with another man," Averill continued, "and Lucy is my biological daughter. That's why, over the years, my attitude toward you has been... so cold."
Catherine's hand trembled slightly, but she quickly hid her emotions.
"So, all these years, you've treated me like a tool just because I'm an illegitimate child?"
Averill didn't respond immediately. He lowered his head in sil
