Aria pov
"Yes. I, left Ravenwood, and built a new life. A safe life for my son."
"And during this time, did your parents attempt to contact you?"
"No." I met the judge's eyes. "Not once in those years. No calls, no emails, no attempts to find me or see if I was okay. Complete silence until" I paused. "Until they saw the news of my return to Ravenwood with Noah."
"And then?"
"Then suddenly they wanted a relationship." I couldn't keep the bitterness from my voice. "Not because they cared about Noah. But because they saw an opportunity. Access to Damien through their grandson. A way to profit from my life again."
"Thank you, Ms. Monroe." Jessica returned to her seat. "Your witness, Mr. Sterling."
Sterling approached, all false sympathy. "Ms. Monroe, isn't it true that you harbored resentment toward your parents for arranging your first marriage?"
"Yes." I wouldn't lie. "I resented being treated like property."
