Victoria swallowed. "A solicitor."
Nathaniel felt his pulse quicken; the timing could not be accidental. "What does he want?"
Victoria looked uncomfortable. "He says he has documents regarding my father."
Every trace of emotion vanished from Genevieve's face: the bridge investigation instantly reclaimed priority. "I will be there shortly."
Victoria nodded and retreated toward the manor.
The moment she disappeared, silence returned. Yet everything had changed. Genevieve looked toward the house, then toward Nathaniel. "I do not know what happens next." The honesty in her voice felt fragile.
Nathaniel answered equally honestly: "Neither do I."
She studied him for several seconds. "I am still angry."
"I know."
"Very angry."
"I know."
Another pause followed. Then Genevieve sighed. "Good."
Nathaniel blinked. "Good?"
"Because if I was not angry, it would mean I did not care."
The words landed between them with quiet force. Neither moved; neither looked away. For the first time, the truth existed openly between them: painful, complicated, yet honest.
Then Genevieve picked up her notebook. "Come with me."
Nathaniel stared. "Where?"
"The drawing room." She began walking toward the manor. "You helped uncover this mess." A small smile appeared. "Despite everything, you are helping finish it."
Nathaniel followed her across the gardens as autumn sunlight stretched long shadows over the estate. Ahead waited new evidence, new revelations, perhaps even final answers. Yet one realization remained stronger than all the others: Genevieve Carter now knew exactly who he was. And despite the hurt, despite the anger, despite every reason to walk away, she had not asked him to leave.
The drawing room felt unusually crowded when Genevieve and Nathaniel arrived. Lord Carter stood near the fireplace. Charles occupied a chair beside the windows. Victoria remained near the far wall with her hands clasped tightly together. The London solicitor stood at the center of the room holding a weathered leather case. Every face reflected tension; every person understood that whatever happened next would matter.
Genevieve entered first; Nathaniel followed several steps behind. For the first time since revealing his identity, he stood openly beside her: no disguise remained between them; no secrets—only consequences.
The solicitor bowed politely. "Miss Carter."