Across the table, Isabella's expression changed completely. For a moment, she simply stared at Loretta, unable to believe what she had just heard. "You are the Gladstone family's daughter. How can you say you're an orphan?"
The words escaped before Isabella could stop herself.
The atmosphere around the table became even more uncomfortable.
Loretta slowly turned her gaze toward her.
There was no anger in her expression, only a quiet smile. "Adopted," she corrected. The single word fell between them.
Isabella's face paled. She immediately realized she should not have said anything. She had wanted to challenge Loretta, but she could not afford to let the conversation continue. Not here, not with so many people around them.
