Chapter 5 - Shadows of the Past
Grace backed away, pulling the pendant out of Nathaniel's hand and tucking it securely back under Lily’s shirt. "It belongs to my son, Mr. Ashford. It's the only thing his father left him."
"That pendant was custom-made for my late brother, Julian," Nathaniel said, his voice shaking with emotional intensity. "He lost it five years ago, the night before he died in that tragic accident. No one ever found it."
The surrounding guests began to murmur again as the tension in the room reached a boiling point. Five years ago, Julian Ashford had been the sole heir to the Ashford empire before his premature death threw the family into turmoil, leaving Nathaniel to take over the corporate mantle.
"I didn't steal it!" Grace said desperately, tears finally spilling over her cheeks. "I worked at the mountain lodge five years ago... Julian gave it to me himself before he went on that trip."
Nathaniel stood up slowly, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the mother and child. His mind raced as he connected the timeline. Five years ago. The lodge. Julian's secret lover who disappeared right after his funeral.
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"You're the woman Julian was looking for," Nathaniel breathed, realizing the true identity of the humble maid standing before him.
👉 Click to continue reading and see how Vanessa tries to destroy Grace's secret.
