“It spared you, the important bank director who couldn’t stand to admit his brother was hurt and poor.”

“I was protecting our family name from scandal,” Patrick argued, his voice climbing in desperation.

“You blackmailed a frightened single mother by threatening to take away her only child,” I shot back, moving closer.

“You used her poverty as a weapon to erase the brother who saved her life during the freeze.”

Lucas stood tall and straight next to me, his voice shaking with feeling but firm with complete resolve.

“I chose to look after Joanne through every hardship, Patrick, while you chose your shiny social standing,” Lucas said.