Serene Abel's brusque voice came through the phone, and Victoria Sheldon frowned. "Serene, what's wrong with you?"
"Mom? Mom! You mustn't let Grandma and Grandpa acknowledge Amelia Clarke, you hear? She's a fraud; she's not Uncle's daughter."
Victoria Sheldon said, "You don't need to worry about this. Take care of your own matters first. After what you've done, it's astonishing Lawrence hasn't divorced you yet and is still keeping your secrets. He's a rare good man. You should cherish him and not mess around outside. If you bring home another bastard child next time, Lawrence won't indulge you anymore..."
Serene Abel's anger halted abruptly, but then, an even louder roar of rage mixed with despair broke out, "Mom! I told you I didn't, why won't you believe me? I was framed... it was him, it was Lawrence Turner—he had me raped... Mom, why won't you believe me? Why?"
