"Don't blame me for not helping your family back then. A mother can only do so much once her son's grown. Consider this money my compensation, given behind Victor's back, for the sake of what we once shared. It's enough for you and your family to live comfortably."
With that, she pulled her cashmere shawl tighter around her shoulders and glided upstairs.
The housekeeper showed me to the door.
The bitter wind cut straight to the bone.
She didn't need to explain. I'd always known she never intended to help us.
Back when our two families had been equals, our downfall was her opportunity to rise to the top. Compared to the gains of a marital alliance, swallowing the whole pie was far more tempting.
When I'd tried to call off the engagement, I mistook her pleas for sincerity.
That was how she used me. Under the guise of protecting me, standing up for me, she'd quietly turned Victor against me and targeted Alice, funneling all his rage in my direction.
She sat back and reaped every last benefit.
Too bad my entire family had been blind. By the time we saw her for what she was, it was far too late.
We no longer had the standing to confront her.
I drew a long breath.