Margaret watched this developing partnership with growing unease, fearing the social consequences of Alina's continued association with the Thorne family.
"People are already talking," she warned one evening after Alina returned from another meeting with Alaric. "If this ends badly, our family will suffer far worse than gossip."
Alina understood her aunt's fears, yet she felt an unshakable need to see the truth fully exposed, regardless of the risks involved.
Meanwhile, Alaric faced his own challenges within his household, confronting Beatrice, his aunt and the last remaining relative aware of the old scandal.
Beatrice initially resisted discussing the matter, insisting the past should remain undisturbed for the family's sake.
However, after Alaric presented the evidence he had gathered, her resistance slowly gave way to reluctant admission.
She confirmed every detail, revealing that her brother had knowingly ruined an innocent woman's reputation simply to escape a debt he could have easily paid.
Armed with this confirmation, Alaric began drafting a public statement intended to formally clear Alina's mother's name before the same society that had once condemned her.
Alina, upon hearing his plan, felt a mixture of gratitude and lingering apprehension.
"This will not be easy for either of us," she said, meeting his determined gaze.
"I know," Alaric replied, "but silence has already caused enough damage. It is time the truth finally speaks for itself."
Their growing closeness did not go unnoticed among the wider social circle, prompting further speculation about the true nature of their relationship.