Everyone in their social circle knew how deeply Skyler cared for Mrs. Williams. If not, he wouldn''t have stayed single all these years.


    Of course, people loved to gossip. The upper crust was always swirling with rumors and scandals-Mr. Burton, for one, never put much stock in tales of unwavering devotion. He''d seen enough to know "faithful lovers" were usually just ying a part.


    So, hearing Skyler might have an illegitimate daughter didn''t really shock anyone.


    Skyler opened his mouth as if to exin, but the words caught in his throat. Silence settled, and his hesitation seemed almost like tacit admission.


    At that moment, Ste spoke up. "Mr. Burton, I''m not a Williams by blood. Myst name is Cameron, not Williams."


    Jonathan''s tone was heavy as he cut in. "Raven, don''t be difficult."


    Ste turned to him, her gaze steady. "I''m not being difficult. I''m simply telling the truth. Or do you mean to say..." She paused, an inscrutable smile flickering across her face. "Mr. Burton, do you actually think of yourself as an illegitimate child?"


    Jonathan''s expression darkened instantly. That was the truth, wasn''t it? Ste was the illegitimate one. But if that was the case... what did that make him?


    He''d spent years resenting his mother for leaving him—she''d nevere back, not even once. But his mother was gone now, and she had, in the end, be Mrs. Williams in her own right. That was a fact no one could change.


    Skyler noticed the shift in Jonathan''s mood, his brow furrowing slightly. Finally, he let out a weary sigh.


    "She''s not an illegitimate child," Skyler said atst. "She''s my biological daughter."


    Mr. Burton watched the group, reading every nuance in their faces. He raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "I''d heard Mrs. Williams passed away after giving birth to your youngest daughter, Aurora."


    Skyler nced at Aurora, who stood quietly, unflinching even as her identity hovered on the verge of exposure. She was asposed as ever.


    Aurora was the daughter he''d carefully raised-bright and capable, never falling shortpared to any man. He had high hopes for her.


    The Williams family had given Aurora every advantage, but Skyler knew that all the resources in the world meant nothing if she hadn''t been clever enough to make use of them.


    His gaze swept over the assembled faces, each etched with different emotions. He had to protect this daughter, no matter what.


    With a resigned sigh and a bitter smile, Skyler continued, "Their mother didn''t die, actually. She left the family. Raven-” He paused, then rified for those who might not know Ste''s given name. "That''s Ste. She was born after her


    mother left us."


    He''d hidden some of the truth, but he hadn''t lied.


    Ste could see it inly-Skyler''s story was meant to shield Aurora, to keep anyone frombeling her as illegitimate.


    Mr. Burton nodded in sudden understanding. "So Ste isn''t your illegitimate daughter, then?"


    "That''s right." Skyler nodded. “But I didn''t know about her at the time I only learned of Ste''s existence a few years ago. After I brought her into the family, we had some... disagreements. Ste left in anger."


    Jonathan remained silent. Aurora said nothing, either. Even Ste seemed to


    have no intention of adding to the conversation.


    Mr. Burton pressed on. "And what about what Ste mentioned earlier? What was that about?"


    Skyler''s expression grew grave. "A few years back, at Ste''s birthday party, we found Sherman and Ste alone in a room together... Mr.


    Burton that''s actually why I''m Rē


    today. The matter was never resolved, and Ste left because of it. I''m asking you now-please, let Sherman take responsibility for what happened."


    No sooner had he finished than two voices cut in simultaneously.


    "That''s not necessary."


    "I refuse."


    It was Ste and Sherman, speaking at once.


    Mr. Burton nced between the two. "Is this what you want, Ste, or is this


    someone else''s decision?"