“Go ahead,” he continued harshly, “keep crying over ashes that mean nothing. But from this moment on, Ashley is under my authority alone.” His tone turned final, absolute. “You’re no longer fit to raise her. I won’t let you influence her any further.”
Then he reached for his phone, dialing without hesitation.
“Amelia,” he said, voice clipped, “take Ashley to the private residence. Morwen is not to see her unless I say so.”
There was a pause on the other end.
Longer than expected.
When Amelia finally spoke, her voice was unsteady—almost breaking.
“Don… Ashley…” she hesitated, then forced the words out. “Ashley died the day you didn’t pick her up.” A shaky breath followed. “The grave covered in daisies… the one Miss Thayne chose for her dog…”
Silence.
“That’s where Ashley’s ashes were buried.”
