INICIAR SESIÓNEli’s tears didn’t stop right away, but they gradually softened into quiet sniffles. The tension that had stiffened her body earlier gave way to exhaustion. She remained seated on the edge of the bed, the suitcase still open beside her, while Althea stayed close—never rushing her, never walking away
Eli gave a small, fragile smile.“Because I shouldn’t be here.”The words were quiet—but they hit like a blow.“Who told you that?”“I did.” Tears began spilling down her cheeks again. “I’m not part of this family. I’m not Daddy Chase’s daughter. I’m not GrandDad and GrandMom’s biological granddaugh
“Then… I’ll excuse myself,” Eli said quietly.She gave Riana and Nathan one brief look before bowing politely. Just before she stepped out of the study, she added in a small, steady voice, “And thank you… for telling me the truth.”The door closed softly behind her.She walked with her head lowered,
Riana and Nathan exchanged a glance.The truth about who Eli really was—and how she had ended up in Selena’s care—was the heaviest part of all. There was no way around it. She had to know.“GrandMom?” Eli pressed, her eyes fixed on Riana. “Or… is there something else I don’t know? Something you’re s
Eli didn’t fully understand how to read the medical terminology, but her eyes were drawn to the bold, underlined conclusion on each page. As Nathan had said, there were five separate reports, each from a different hospital.And every one of them stated the same result.Riana inhaled slowly before co
Nathan didn’t continue right away. He allowed a few seconds to pass—long enough to make sure Eli was truly ready to hear what he had to say.Eli looked from Nathan to Riana, her uneasy plan to see. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was certain they could hear it. Whatever this was, it felt seriou







