“You could have told Hannah.”
“Yes.”
Charles looked at his son. “I was a coward.”
Luke rubbed his hands over his face. “I learned it from you.”
“No,” Hannah said.
Both men looked at her.
“You learned it from everyone who taught you that peace mattered more than truth. That does not excuse you. But it does explain why you kept repeating it.”
Luke’s eyes filled again.
Hannah was tired of tears, including her own. She walked toward the sideboard and poured water into three glasses. Her hand shook as she passed one to Charles.
He accepted it with both hands.
The guests began leaving quietly. Gemma kissed Hannah’s cheek and held her shoulders.
“I should have stopped her years ago,” she said.
“Yes.”
Gemma nodded, accepting the answer. “I told myself she would turn on me if I spoke.”
“She would have.”
“I thought keeping my marriage safe made me practical.”
“It made you silent.”
Gemma swallowed. “I am going to tell the truth in court.”
Hannah touched her hand. “Then begin there.”
Martin approached next. He looked toward the door his mother had gone through.
“I did not know about the deed,” he said. “I knew she took money from the company. I knew she threatened employees. I told myself those were business matters.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Because I want you to know I will give the investigator every file I have.”
Hannah studied him. “Do it because it is right. Do not do it to make yourself feel forgiven.”
He nodded. “I understand.”
After the others left, only Charles, Luke, Hannah, and the attorney remained.
The attorney explained that the Calder Street property had changed hands twice since Rosalie’s company sold it. The current owner had purchased it honestly and would not be forced out. The value, however, could be recovered through damages and the sale proceeds held in the company accounts.
Hannah listened carefully.
“What will happen to the building?”
“If the court recognizes your mother’s ownership, you will receive the proceeds or an equivalent property, depending on the settlement.”
