Chapter Dark Past Uncovered “Are you alright, Ava?” Liam’s voice cut through the silence, his palpable. He stepped closer, his presence a comfort and a source confusion. Ava turned to him, her eyes the turmoil within. “Liam, everything thought I knew… it’s all a lie. brow furrowed. you mean?” clenched her the still fresh, raw. “I’m not who I thought I was. My mother… she wasn’t just a governess. She was… part of the Beaumont family. Liam’s eyes widened. “The Beaumonts? The family that’s been trying to us years?” Ava nodded, her voice breaking. And now, I’m part that family. I don’t know who I am anymore. Liam reached his hand resting on her shoulder. still you, Ava. This doesn’t change that. “But it does, Liam. explains why they’ve been me, trying to discredit me. They knew all who and I had no idea. jaw tightened. figure this out. Ava back, shaking her head. can you say that? Your family has been with mine for years. This changes everything. Liam’s gaze but there was hint of else, something he was back. “Ava, there’s something you need to know. My connection to the Beaumonts… deeper than you think. Ava’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you talking about?” Liam took a his never leaving hers. “I was engaged to one of them. To Eloise Beaumont. Ava’s world tilted, the floor beneath her unsteady. Eloise? didn’t you tell me?” was a time ago,” Liam said quickly. “Before I met you. I because I couldn’t be of their schemes. Ava turned away, her mind racing. “So you knew you were them, and you never thought to tell me?” Liam closer, his voice desperate. “I want to hurt you. And I didn’t think it mattered anymore. “It matters now,” Ava snapped, her voice trembling with anger hurt. “Everything now. shoulders sagged, the weight of situation pressing down on him. “I’m sorry, Ava. I never wanted this for us. Ava took a deep breath, to steady herself. need to find out the truth. About everything. Together, they made their way to the study, a room filled with the remnants of Henry Dalton’s secrets. The was thick with dust and the of paper. Ava’s eyes scanned room, landing on bookshelf that seemed slightly out of place. me with this,” she said, her voice determined. Liam joined her, and they pushed the bookshelf aside, revealing a hidden door. Ava’s heart raced as reached for the handle, the door creaking to reveal a hidden room. Inside, the room was with documents, and photographs. Ava’s eyes widened she saw a familiar face staring back at her from of the photos – her mother, standing beside Dalton. is this place?” Liam whispered, eyes the room. fingers trembled as she picked up a document. a record of everything. All Henry’s schemes, dealings with the Beaumonts. Everything. stepped closer, his eyes narrowing read over her shoulder. “This could expose he’s done. It could bring him down. Ava her mind racing. “But also means… he knew. knew who I was all along. Liam’s found hers, squeezing it gently. “We’ll use this our advantage, Ava. We’ll expose him. Ava looked up at him, her eyes filled determination. my mother. Follow new on the “BunnyBookery”. As they began to gather the documents, a noise from them. They turned to Henry standing the doorway, his face twisted in anger. “What you think doing?” he growled, stepping into the room. Ava’s heart pounded in her chest, but she stood her ground. “We Henry. We know about your mother. Henry’s eyes narrowed. “You think you can stop me? You’re nothing pawn in a game you don’t understand. Liam stepped forward, his voice firm. “We understand enough. And we have the evidence to expose you. Henry laughed, a cold, sound. “You think anyone will I’ve covered my tracks well. Ava up a document, her steady. have proof. And we’ll make sure everyone it. Henry’s expression darkened, but before he could react, a noise outside room caught their attention. Footsteps, hurried and the hidden room. Ava Liam exchanged a their strengthening. They knew was just beginning of their fight. The had given them the they needed, it had also opened door to a dangerous game.