Nobody spoke.
The room seemed to shrink around them.
Camille stared at Cassandra while her heart pounded so hard she could hear it.
The truth about why her mother spent her entire life protecting her.
Those words refused to leave her mind.
For years, she had believed her mother was simply protective.
Careful.
Loving.
Now Cassandra was making it sound like there had been something more.
Something deliberate.
Something important.
Cassandra moved toward the large windows overlooking the lake.
For a moment she remained silent.
Collecting herself.
Because despite all her composure, emotion was visible in her eyes.
Years of it.
Memories.
Promises.
Regret.
Finally, she spoke.
"Your mother and I met when we were eighteen."
Camille listened carefully.
"We were both ambitious."
A faint smile touched Cassandra's lips.
"Very ambitious."
Victor quietly leaned toward Elena.
"That sounds dangerous already."
Elena stepped on his shoe.
Victor immediately stopped talking.
