The way Old Mrs. Sterling looked at me sent chills down my spine. Her eyes held a knowing gleam that made me feel exposed, as if she could see through the tangled web of lies surrounding my birth.
"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Before she could answer, Cassandra returned, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
"Mother Sterling, might I have a word with you? In private."
Old Mrs. Sterling waved her hand dismissively. "Whatever you have to say can be said in front of family."
Cassandra's eyes narrowed at the pointed inclusion of me in that category. "Very well. I've been looking into Beatrice's background extensively."
"I'm aware," the old woman replied dryly.
