I stood frozen, watching as Delilah's words hung in the air like a threat.
"The powerful family Evelyn Johnson comes from?" Old Mrs. Margaret repeated, her shrewd eyes narrowing. "What nonsense are you spouting now, Delilah?"
Delilah's red lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Not nonsense at all. Evelyn's maiden name is Bella. The Bella family of Clance."
The name sent a ripple through the group. Even Nathaniel, usually unflappable, straightened beside me.
"That's impossible," Imogen blurted out. "My mother is just... Mother. She never mentioned any influential family."
"Because she walked away from them years ago," Delilah continued, clearly enjoying being the center of attention. "But she's maintained connections. Powerful ones. Connections that could benefit whoever aligns with her family."
