Sixty

**PRESENT DAY: MASON’S LIVING ROOM**

Mason sat frozen as Margaret paused.

"Lenora knew about the arrangement between Michael and Charles," Margaret continued. "Lenora didn't care about Michael or anyone, she just wanted the Prescott fortune. She was already pregnant, and when she gave birth, she made it seem like the child was born prematurely. She refused to name her daughter."

Mason clenched his fists; he could see where this story was heading, but he decided to let her continue as he couldn't trust himself to speak.

Margaret took another deep breath before continuing.

"Michael finally told his parents about Susan. He brought her to the family home when she was nearly due. His mother was furious, but there was nothing she could do. Michael told his family he was diagnosed with cancer and he didn’t have much time to live. He died a few weeks later, but I don't think he died from cancer."

Mason shook his head, having trouble keeping up with the insanity of Margaret's story. He