Chapter 361

"Grandmother, please don't think that way." Evelyn's voice trembled with emotion as she pressed closer to Margaret. "When I saw how you doted on that impostor pretending to be me, I burned with jealousy."

Margaret Hoffis bit her quivering lip, silent tears streaming down her wrinkled cheeks.

"For years I didn't know if my parents were alive. I tolerated that fraud because I hoped she might lead me to answers." Evelyn's fingers tightened around her grandmother's frail hand. "I should have told you the truth sooner. This is all my fault. Please forgive me."

The way Evelyn nuzzled against Margaret's shoulder like she used to as a child shattered the older woman's defenses. That simple gesture transported them both back twenty years, when little Cassandra would curl in her grandmother's lap.

"Can you find it in your heart to forgive me, Grandmother? Just this once?" Evelyn's voice was barely above a whisper as she gently swung their clasped hands.

Margaret's shoulders shook with silent sobs. She covered her face with trembling hands. "No, my darling... I'm the one who should beg forgiveness."

"You've done nothing wrong!" Evelyn's radiant smile broke through her tears. With one hand she cradled Margaret's face, using her thumb to wipe away tears. "Not one thing."

Margaret's red-rimmed eyes searched Evelyn's face desperately.

The sight tore at Evelyn's heart, but she maintained her cheerful expression. "Come, let's sit in the parlor. I brought those lemon tarts you adore from Patisserie Royale."

Margaret started to nod, then hesitated. "You must be exhausted from your work. Don't trouble yourself with me—"

"Being with you isn't trouble," Evelyn interrupted firmly, blinking back fresh tears at her grandmother's continued attempts to please her. She guided Margaret to the velvet settee.

Accepting the pastry box from Rosalind, Evelyn flipped open the lid with a flourish. The sweet citrus aroma filled the space between them. "I want to be here. With you."

Margaret stared in wonder as Evelyn selected the most perfect tart and lifted it to her lips. "Open wide, Grandmother. Let me feed you like you used to do for me."

Margaret hesitated, eyeing the offering with heartbreaking wariness. "You...you're truly my Cassandra? Not another imposter?"

Evelyn's laughter rang out, though melancholy tinged its edges. She'd never treated her grandmother with such tenderness before. "I'm your granddaughter through and through. The same girl who—" she leaned close to whisper, "—when I was eight and had that terrible fever..."

Margaret's breath caught.

"Everyone said no cold treats, but you smuggled in that enormous tub of mint chocolate chip." Evelyn's eyes sparkled with the memory. "We hid under your quilt giggling until Grandfather discovered us—"

"—and I threw the entire tub at his head!" Margaret finished, bursting into surprised laughter. "Oh, he was furious! Said I'd be the death of you with my coddling."

Evelyn wrapped both arms around Margaret's thin shoulders. "You could never harm me. You've always loved me best."

The laughter died on Margaret's lips. Fresh tears spilled over as she clutched at Evelyn. "But I did hurt you! I'm monstrous! When I think how I kept you and Liam apart—"

"Shhh." Evelyn rocked her gently. "You protected me. That's all you've ever done."

Margaret's anguished sobs filled the parlor. "I broke your heart! I saw how you looked at him, and still I—"

"You acted out of love." Evelyn pressed their foreheads together. "Just as you always have."