Chapter 214

Liam stepped into the study with measured steps. He gestured for Margaret to take a seat on the plush leather sofa before launching into his interrogation.

"Mrs. Hoffis, did you ever see Cassandra in person during her decade abroad?"

Margaret shook her head. "No, she was completely immersed in her studies. Never had time to visit. But we spoke regularly on the phone."

"Video calls?" Liam pressed.

"Those were... infrequent," Margaret admitted, her fingers twisting in her lap.

Liam leaned forward. "When did you first notice her appearance had changed?"

Margaret's brow furrowed. She shifted uncomfortably before asking, "Why all these questions, Mr. Blackwood?"

His jaw tightened. "Just answer honestly. I want to understand Cassandra better."

The older woman brightened at his apparent interest in her granddaughter. "About three years ago," she began eagerly. "We hadn't done a video call in ages. When we finally connected, her round cheeks had hollowed out completely. Archibald and I were devastated."

She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "The poor girl hated looking so youthful. She got some minor cosmetic procedures done. Between that and her exhausting work schedule..."

Liam's eyes narrowed. "Were her parents present during these calls?"

"Oh yes," Margaret nodded. "My son, his wife, and our adopted son Julian. They were celebrating Thanksgiving when they called."

A chill ran down Liam's spine. Now he understood why Archibald and Margaret never questioned Victoria's true identity. The imposter had appeared alongside Cassandra's actual parents.

"Tell me about their reactions," Liam pressed. "Did they seem uncomfortable? Stressed? Upset?"

Margaret's expression clouded. After a long pause, she shook her head. "It's been too long. I can't recall."

"How many such calls occurred?"

Tears welled in Margaret's wrinkled eyes. "I don't know if they suspected anything," she whispered hoarsely. "That entire month, they video-called constantly. Kept saying how Victoria would take good care of Archibald and me when she returned."

Her hands trembled. "Less than a month later... we got the news. By the time we reached Solterra..." A sob escaped her. "Only their headstones remained."

Liam quickly offered tissues, regretting his harsh questioning. But Margaret continued through her tears.

"That poor child... losing both parents so suddenly. We had no choice but to bring her home." She wiped her eyes. "The trauma changed her. She became withdrawn, indifferent to the family business. Refused to help Archibald manage anything."

Margaret grasped Liam's hand desperately. "We can't let Julian inherit everything. If you marry Victoria, we'll rest easy knowing the Wright legacy is in capable hands."

The Wright family fortune.

Liam finally understood Julian's conspiracy with the Obsidian Circle. They were after this massive inheritance.

The puzzle pieces clicked into place.

For now, Cassandra's safety depended on maintaining her current identity. His next move? Finding her missing parents.