She ignored him. “Before he died, Henry discovered irregularities in several family trust accounts. He believed I had approved unauthorized transfers.”
“Had you?”
“I had moved money to protect this family.”
“From what?”
“Scandal.”
Claire stared at Evelyn. “What transfers?”
Evelyn’s eyes flashed. “Be quiet.”
Claire actually obeyed.
Rowan’s pulse slowed. “What scandal?”
His mother set the glass down. “Your father found out about Hawthorne.”
The room seemed to hold its breath.
“He discovered that certain families used the center to arrange discreet placements,” Evelyn said. “Children born into situations that would invite public spectacle. Affairs. addiction. instability. Inheritance disputes. He was furious.”
“As he should have been.”
“He was naive,” Evelyn snapped. It was the first crack in her composure. “He believed truth alone could clean a wound. He didn’t understand that truth can infect everything it touches.”
“And Lily?”
Evelyn looked away.
Rowan stepped closer. “You arranged her transfer.”
