Chapter 171
Augustin’s POV
At dinner that evening, we all gathered around the table, the mood considerably lighter as we discussed Helena’s diaries.
“She genuinely believed Nathanael loved her,” Bryloch said, shaking his head in disbelief. “And that Amelia was blackmailing him to stay in the marriage.”
“The woman was completely delusional,” Scarlett agreed.
“The strangest thing,” Adryx noted, “is that other than mentioning her son once, she never talks about him again. Most
mothers would be devastated to be separated from their child, but she barely mentions it.”
“According to one entry, Nathanael took the child from her,” Adryx explained.
“No mention of where the child lived?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual. “Or who was raising him?”
Adryx shook his head. “Nothing. It’s like the baby just ceased to exist. The whole situation is bizarre.”
I exchanged a glance with Juno, both of us thinking the same thing: there were far too many secrets in my family’s past.
The next morning, we returned to Levenston Manor. I was anxious to speak with my mother, to finally get to the truth of
the matter. After Juno and I had settled in, I took the copied letter and knocked on my mother’s door.
She looked surprised to see me, a smile spreading across her face as she invited me in.
“Augustin, what a pleasant surprise,” she said warmly. “You rarely visit me these days. I’ve missed our conversations.”
She gestured for me to sit, then studied my face. “How is Juno? Is she resting properly? Eating well? She should minimize
her activities in the early stages of pregnancy. The first trimester is crucial for the baby’s development.”
“Juno is fine, Mother,” I said shortly, cutting to the chase. “I need to have an honest conversation with you. In private. It’s about something I discovered.”
My mother’s smile faltered slightly, but she nodded, closing the door behind us.
“I’m concerned about something I’ve discovered,” I began, my voice grave. “Something that could potentially harm our entire family. I need you to be completely honest with me.”
My mother’s expression turned hurt. “I would never lie to my children, Augustin. You know how much I love you and your brother. Everything I’ve ever done has been for your benefit.”
“What was your relationship with Helena Holbrooke Ashford?” I asked directly.
My mother shifted uncomfortably, waving her hand dismissively “She just came to visit and reconcile. Nothing important. We had our differences in the past, but I believed in forgiveness. Why do you ask?”
I hardened my tone. “I found Helena’s records, Mother. Including evidence suggesting you orchestrated Father’s murder.
She kept detailed journals, and in them, she claims to have proof that you sent information to Kieran about Father’s travel plans to Fireland.”
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Chapter 171
My mother jumped to her feet, her face contorted with shock.hat’s a lie!‘ she cried. “All lles! That woman was obsessed with your father. She would say anything to hurt me! How can you even consider such accusations? I loved your father!”
“Sit down,” I commanded.
“She sank back into her chair, her hands trembling.
“I know many things now,” I continued, “About Charlotte, about what happened. About how Father treated you. I’m not here to judge you, Mother. I’m here to find a solution. But I need the truth.”
My mother vehemently denied the accusations, insisting on her loyalty to my father and the sanctity of their marriage. “Your father was a great men, Augustin. A powerful Alpha. He deserved my respect and loyalty.”
“He wanted to divorce you for his fated mate,” I countered. “He forced you to care for his mate. He murdered your family. He tried to strip away your family’s seat. He humiliated you repeatedly. He threatened to disinherit Evanth in favor of his bastard son. Tell me, Mother, what kind of loyalty did he deserve?”
My mother looked shocked that I knew about the seat dispute. How did you-”
“I found Helena’s warning letter to you,” I explained. “I know Father planned to give the seat to Chris. I know everything,
Mother,
Faced with this evidence, my mother’s composure crumbled. She couldn’t maintain the façade any longer.
“Mother,” I said, looking directly into her eyes, “I need to know if what Helena accused you of is true. Did you send that letter to Kieran? Did you arrange for Father’s assassination?”
The tears streaming down her face had already betrayed her, but I needed to hear her say it.
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Nathaniel deserved this; however, the innocent civilians and soldiers on the other side did not. Kieran didn’t deserve to be treated as a criminal by the King and the rest of th…
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