Chapter 12 - THE PRICE OF HIS MOTHER'S AMBITION
Margaret Ashford had spent decades protecting the family's social position.
She believed reputation mattered more than honesty.
She had encouraged Nathaniel to marry someone wealthy.
She had never approved of me.
And when Vanessa became pregnant, Margaret saw an opportunity to replace me with someone she considered more suitable.
But the financial investigation revealed that Margaret had also participated in questionable transactions.
Her access to company accounts was suspended.
Her role in the disputed transfers became part of the ongoing inquiry.
Nathaniel blamed her.
She blamed Nathaniel.
Their relationship fractured.
I watched from a distance.
For years, Margaret had told me I was lucky to belong to the Ashford family.
Now I understood that belonging had never been the gift she claimed.
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It had been a condition.
One I was no longer willing to accept.
