Chapter 27

Jacob POV

Learning that the person you trusted the most has betrayed you has a different kind of hurt to it—the betrayal cuts deeper.

On my way to Collin Estate, I try hard to control my anger, but I can feel it seeping through my skin like last night’s alcohol. No matter how Charlotte spins it, there’s no forgiving what she’s done to Emily.

The house is quiet—as if it’s holding its breath. I march up to Charlotte’s room and there she is, with Nancy. If I wasn’t so distracted by my anger, I could swear the two of them were plotting something.

The moment I enter, they stop talking.

“Grandmother, if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you privately,” I say without looking in Nancy’s direction.

Without a word, Charlotte motions for her to leave the room.

“Yes, dear, now you have my undivided attention,” she says, and inhales deeply from her e-cigarette.

“I’ve just returned from Ruth,” I say. She doesn’t look the least bit surprised and keeps on looking at me. “She’s told me everyt