Chapter 7

“You’ll walk normally with proper physical therapy,” the Swiss surgeon explained. “But professional

ballet is unfortunately no longer possible.”

With those words, my dream of returning to the stage evaporated completely.

Over espresso on the clinic’s terrace, Grand–père revealed a stunning truth: he had quietly bankrolled Dad’s startup years ago, channeling millions through shell companies.

“I thought I was helping Élise,” he said, his accent thickening with emotion. “Instead, I financed the lifestyle that allowed Maxwell to pursue Camilla while my daughter withered away.”

His weathered hands trembled slightly as he set down his cup. “Not only am I liquidating every Rousseau investment in Dagonet Industries, but I’ve instructed our board to systematically acquire their competitors. Your father’s company won’t survive the quarter.”

For three months, I underwent intensive rehabilitation in the private Alpine clinic.

Those first nights were torture–even with pharmaceutical–grade sedatives, I’d wake up screaming, feeling phantom hands breaking my bones all over again.

Grand–père would appear within moments, taking the chair beside my bed to share what little he knew of my mother’s brief time with the Rousseaus.

His stories felt maddeningly incomplete–he could only describe how she color–coded her notes at university, how she would practice her ballet positions while waiting for elevators, how she never abandoned a goal once she’d set her mind to it.

Our roles gradually reversed. I found myself filling in the twenty years he’d missed–her silent 3 a.m. crying sessions in the kitchen when she thought everyone was asleep, the way she’d flinch whenever Dad raised his voice, how she’d spend hours perfecting my ballet buns because it reminded her of her own shattered dreams.

never forgive myself for failing Élise,” he finally said. “That debt remains

for another. Had Grand–père once favored his adopted daughter just as Dad had chosen Victoria? Was

95.79

Chapter 7

Mom had cut

answers died

I studied my reflection in the

had done something else–something I’d specifically requested.

Dagonet’s daughter. “Carbon copy” was

used.

every trace of that resemblance had

my mother now?” I asked the

eye shape–yes, you favor Madame Élise considerably more,” he confirmed.

last physical connection to the Dagonet

three months, a cascade

the device.

number. During my silence, he and Caspian

let us know you’re alive. I haven’t slept in days. The police think you might have harmed yourself.]

I let those men hurt you. I

room is exactly as you left it. I sit there every night. Those Misty Copeland posters you

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255