Chapter 95

**CHLOE**

Gritting my teeth, I swallowed a lump in my throat and then took a deep breath.

"Well, what is it?" I asked, my voice taut with suspicion.

"It's a bit lengthy," Elizabeth mumbled, her gaze flickering away from mine. "Should we probably do it over tea?"

I scoffed lightly. "I'm not going anywhere with you," I stated firmly, my heart hammering against my ribs. "Anything you have to say to me, just say it now."

Sighing deeply, a tremor ran through her voice. "Chloe dear, I know I should have tried to check up all those years. I shouldn't have just assumed your father would be able to take care of you; well, thank goodness that he did.”

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to control my breathing, the memory of Dad ripping a fresh wound in my heart. Tears welled up again, blurring my vision.

"Do you even know that Dad's dead?" I choked out, the words thick with emotion.

"Yes, I do, your poor father. He always..." she trailed off, her voice cracking.

"Stop!" I barked, anger flaring i