The stunned silence in the Sterling mansion felt like a physical weight pressing down on all of us. My declaration hung in the air, almost visible in its intensity.
"You're delusional," Beatrice finally sputtered, her face twisting into an ugly mask of contempt. "How dare you come into our home and spew such ridiculous lies?"
I met her gaze without flinching. The old Liam would have lowered his eyes, maybe even apologized. But that man was gone, replaced by someone who understood that kindness shown to people like the Sterlings was only ever mistaken for weakness.
"Believe what you want," I replied coolly. "The truth doesn't require your acceptance to remain true."
Simon stepped forward, his face flushed with rage. "Three years! Three years we put a roof over your head, fed you, clothed you—"
