Fake Daughter Is the Real Legend novel · Chapter 21 of 24

Chapter 21: The Grand Staircase

Helen walked onto the bridge in her good camel coat with her hands open and her face full of pity.

"Bethany," she said. "Darling. There you are. We've been so frightened."

Bethany did not move.

"Come home," Helen said. "Whatever she has told you, we can talk it through."

"No, Mother."

The word landed between them.

Helen's eyes went to the folder in my hands, and for a moment they were just eyes, flat and calculating.

"You have a great deal of nerve, Marin."

"I have a stage," I said. "Tomorrow at noon, at the house. I've invited the press and the family. Come and tell your side, or I hand this over without you."

Helen studied me for a long time.

"I'll be there," she said, and went back to her car.

The next day the great hall of the Ashcroft house was full of press and cameras.

The family sat in the front rows, and the staff lined the walls.

I stood on the landing of the grand staircase with Leander two steps below me and my father beside me.

Bethany stood a little behind, in a plain dark dress. A thin wire ran under her collar.

The doors opened and Helen walked in.

She stopped at the foot of the stairs and looked up the whole length of them.

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