Leo sat in stunned silence as Chloe explained the depth of the betrayal. Evelyn’s “generous gift” wasn’t an act of pure grandmotherly love; it was a twisted, arrogant display of dominance. The old woman must have realized exactly who Chloe was the moment they were introduced.
According to Chloe, Evelyn knew that giving these specific stolen jewels to the descendant of the family she ruined would bind them forever. It was a sick game to prove she had won. Leo felt sick to his stomach, torn between the woman he loved and the sweet old lady who raised him.
He wanted to believe Chloe was mistaken, that it was a horrific coincidence. But the matching earring Chloe held was undeniable proof. Leo knew there was only one way to find out the absolute truth, and it required a confrontation he dreaded with his entire soul.