I watched Dominic's expression carefully as he leaned against the paddock fence. His words about trust lingered between us like a warning.
"You're asking me to turn my back on my mother," I said finally, processing what he'd just told me. "The only person who showed me kindness in that house."
Dominic sighed, his blue eyes reflecting genuine concern. "I'm not asking you to do anything, Mrs. Sterling. I'm simply sharing what I know to be true. Your mother—Beatrice Hayes—has orchestrated this entire event."
"For Fiona's sake," I whispered, the bitter taste of betrayal filling my mouth.
"The horse racing is just a pretext. The real purpose is to introduce Caleb Sterling to your mother's connections from Clance." He lowered his voice. "She's effectively siding with the first branch against your husband."
