Chapter 55

"Please, come in," Amelia says from behind me, making me jump.

I realize I've been staring at them like an idiot, too stunned to speak.

Stepping aside, I let them pass, my mind still reeling. The Prescotts—Alexander and Eleanor—were in my house. And they might be my real parents.

"How are you even out?" I ask, turning to face Daniel the moment we're all seated.

"Bail," he mutters, his gaze fixed everywhere but on me.

Yesterday, Gregory had asked if I wanted to press charges against Daniel. He said it would strengthen our case.

I hadn’t answered.

Yes, what Daniel did was unforgivable. But he also taught me things—about myself, about life. I wasn’t sure I could destroy him.

Nathan was pressing charges. So was the police department. Daniel had faked documents to get close to me. Even if I didn’t press charges, Gregory said they’d proceed anyway—they’d opened a file on me after the murder attempts began.

"I’m sorry for what my son did to you, Sophia," Eleanor says, cutting through the tension.

I just stare.

She still calls him her son. Does that mean she condones what he did? If so, I’m not sure I want her in my life—even if she is my mother.

"You’re apologizing for him," Amelia says sharply. "And I’m guessing you’re the one who bailed him out. If what he said is true, does that mean you’re okay with what he did to your biological daughter? The daughter you supposedly mourned for years?"

Her words slice through the room.

"We are not okay with what he did," Alexander growls, his glare burning into Daniel. "It was monstrous."

"Then why bail him out?" Amelia presses. "He should pay for what he did. Playing with someone’s emotions while planning to kill them? That’s evil."

Every reminder of what Daniel did feels like salt in a wound.

"Because he’s still our son," Eleanor says, tears in her eyes. "We adopted him when he was ten. We love him."

I want to hate her answer, but I can’t.

As a mother, I’d stand by Liam no matter what. Even if he did something terrible, I wouldn’t abandon him.

I glance at Daniel.

His cold gaze meets mine, empty. No warmth. No remorse.

I look away.

"You’re here for a reason," I say bluntly. "If it’s about his case, I have nothing to do with it. If that’s all, please leave."

Their shocked expressions don’t faze me.

"We came because Daniel told us the truth," Eleanor whispers. "We came because you’re our daughter."

I want to believe her. But the family who raised me never loved me. Why would these strangers?

"How can you be sure I’m yours?" I stand. "Daniel could’ve made a mistake. I don’t look like you."

They’re stunning. I’m… ordinary.

Daniel hands me an envelope. "I took your hair. Ran a DNA test. It’s a match."

I open it.

He’s not lying.

My DNA aligns with Eleanor and Alexander’s.

"You have my hair," Alexander says softly. "And your mother’s eyes. But even without that… I know. You’re the daughter we lost."

Tears spill.

My whole life was a lie.

Every cruelty from the Sterlings—every hateful word, every wound—floods back.

They knew I wasn’t theirs.

Why keep me just to hurt me?

"It’s okay, my love," Eleanor murmurs, using the same endearment I call Liam.

She hugs me.

I didn’t see her move, but her arms feel like home. Something I never felt with Victoria.

Alexander joins us.

I sob until I’m empty.

"Better?" Eleanor asks gently.

I nod.

"You’re our daughter," Alexander says, voice thick. "We’ve loved you every day. We just want a chance to show you."

The difference between them and the Sterlings is staggering.

Before I can respond, the doorbell rings.

"I’ll get it," Amelia says.

Harsh whispers follow.

Then Nathan storms in, followed by Isabella and Tristan.

What now?

"I tried to stop them," Amelia mutters, glaring at Nathan.

"What do you want?" I’m exhausted.

"Mom wants to talk," Isabella says. "She has answers. But you’re not answering her calls."

I sigh.

The last thing I want is to hear Victoria’s excuses.

But I know I have to.