Chapter 6

In truth, Alex had considered the possibility that Lizzy was his child. However, the odds seemed slim. For starters, she bore no resemblance to him. Moreover, Lizzy’s demeanor gave no hint of such a reality. Based on these factors alone, it was challenging for Alex to believe that Lizzy could be his daughter. In fact, at one point, he even suspected that Michelle and Lizzy were part of some elaborate scheme contrived by Eleanor to deceive him - a trick that she was entirely capable of executing.

The previous night, Michelle had asked if he hoped Lizzy was his daughter. It wasn't so much that he hoped against it; rather, the thought had never seriously crossed his mind. The revelation that Lizzy was indeed his flesh and blood caught him entirely off guard. Outwardly, he remained composed, but inwardly, he was in utter turmoil.

Over the years - no, decades, really - Eleanor’s propensity for mischief had only sharpened. But her teachings for the young Alex had always been virtuous. From