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“We can have a test done.” Wesley paused for a few seconds, then added in a low, determined voice, “This time, I’ll go in person.”

After Loretta returned to her bedroom, her face was so pale she looked

almost translucent.

She was supposed to be the Rayburn family’s heiress, wasn’t she?

How could it all turn out to be a lie?

Impossible-

Charlotte really does look more like Mrs. Rayburn than you ever did!

Tricia’s words echoed in her ears. Thinking back to what Sean had said in the study, Loretta was forced to believe it now.

Her hands trembling, she picked up her phone and called Tricia.

Tricia saw Loretta’s name sh across her screen and wasn’t the least bit surprised. Smirking coldly, she answered, “Well?”

“That woman… she really is the Rayburn family’s daughter. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now!”

Tricia’s smile faded. She stepped out onto the balcony, her voice lowering. “Does the Rayburn family have evidence?”

“Would they say it if they didn’t? The Rayburns have a rare blood type! So does she! They must’ve already found out mine doesn’t match.” Loretta’s voice quivered on the verge of tears.

How was she supposed to know the Rayburn family carried such a rare blood type?

She was all itoo /iaware of her own.

Tricia froze.

Charlotte has that blood type?

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No wonder…

Evander had been searching for someone with a rare blood type at such a high price that day…

If Charlotte really is the Rayburn family’s daughter…

Tricia bit her lip, and a n began to take shape in her mind. Tilting her chin, she spoke slowly, “Didn’t she leave for the capital? If she were to… disappear, wouldn’t that solve your problem?”

“You–you’re not serious, are you? Making someone disappear isn’t that simple…”

“If something were to happen to her, who would ever know the truth?”

Tricia’s words made Loretta freeze.

Tricia continued, “I’m just saying. Don’t be stupid enough to do anything yourself…i” /iShe hung up, feeling as if victory were already in her grasp.

She knew Loretta–blinded by greed and desperate to hold on to herfortable life–wouldn’t be able to resist.

After taking Rosemary’s call, Charlotte found herself heading back to the old manor.

Lte led her upstairs. In the sitting room, the olddy sat cross–legged behind a coffee table, a rare and expensive incense smoldering in the ornate holder.

“I’ve already had a talk with Genevieve about what happened the other night. That child’s been spoiled by her mother, lost all sense of manners–she needed to be taught a lesson.”

Charlotte took her seat across from the olddy. “Honestly, if I put myself in her shoes, I can’t really me her. She just can’t ept me, that’s all.”

“Lottie, I’m an old woman. I don’t have many years left.” The olddy’s voice was soft but weighted. “I truly never wanted to see things between

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you and Evander end like this–but I won’t force you, either. Just tell me the truth, sweetheart–do you really want a divorce?”

Charlotte could tell the olddy was utterly sincere.

If she said yes, the olddy would nod, perhaps even find a way to grant

her wish.

Did she really want that?

Charlotte clenched her fists, her eyes stinging with tears. “Grandma, I’ve been your granddaughter–inw for six years. I’m grateful for every moment. But Evander and I… whatever was between us is over.”

The curtain behind the folding screen swayed, and a shadow slipped

away unseen.

The olddy closed her eyes for a long moment, then sighed deeply.

“All right. I’ll persuade Evander to give you a divorce.”

Charlotte nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you,

Grandma.”

Leaving the room, she walked down the corridor and out into the courtyard.

A lowi, /ihusky voice called her name. “Charlotte.”

She stopped in her tracks and looked back at Evander.

He was standing beneath the crabapple tree, shadows and sunlight dappling his dark suit. The sharp lines of his brow were shaded, making it impossible to read his expression.

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