“I didn’t know,” David finally said, his voice a mix of apology and confusion. “Evelyn, why didn’t you tell me?”

I met his gaze, recalling the tumult of our past. “It wasn’t the right time, and I needed to protect Alex. But now, it’s time for him to know his roots.”

The guests were now unabashedly watching, their initial amusement at Margaret’s soirée turning into genuine interest in the real-life drama. Margaret, who had planned to showcase my supposed inadequacy, was now at the center of a narrative that had veered wildly off course.