Selene's POV
Frederick took a small step toward me, his voice breaking slightly. "Selene, please… listen to me. I swear on my life—I didn't poison your mother. I didn't even know she was gone until now. But I'll prove it. I'll find whoever did this. I'll prove my innocence to you." He looked so desperate it almost made me falter… almost.
"I don't believe you," I said coldly.
He shook his head, his voice trembling. "You have to. Because I love you, Selene. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone."
A bitter laugh escaped my throat. "Love?" I scoffed. "Don't insult me."
He looked stunned, but I pressed on. "You don't love me, Frederick. You're drawn to me — the same way you were drawn to her. To Hailee. Maybe that's why you think you feel this way."
He blinked, confusion twisting across his face. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm a descendant of Hailee," I said, my voice steady even though my heart was pounding. "Through my father's bloodline."
Frederick froze. "What?"
