Selina closed her eyes, her smile turning colder.
The Hill and Brooks families—ruined by someone like her.
Her tone was calm, almost detached, but the edge beneath every word could cut glass.
"Mrs. Hill," she said evenly, "what makes you think my father's greatest love was you?"
Before Hannah could answer, Selina continued, her voice steady and sharp.
"My parents knew each other since childhood. They were childhood sweethearts. Even after my grandparents died in that 'accident,' even when my uncle vanished, even when my mother—because of you and Matt—fell from grace, my father never abandoned her."
She took a step forward, her gaze unwavering.
"When my mother was forced into Joe's hands, my father risked everything to rescue her. His mentors, colleagues, and students—all knew this. Every one of his students called my mother 'Mrs. Brooks.'"
