Chapter 19

Tanya sat across from me, noticing my thoughtful expression.

She cleared her throat as if testing the waters.

“Florence, are you wondering who caused the Caldwell family to go bankrupt?” she asked, cautiously.

I simply nodded quietly.

Tanya let out a long breath and, true to her lively nature, moved closer to me, squeezing my shoulders. "Well, I’ll tell you, but don’t get mad."

After I promised, she finally revealed the truth.

"It was Pierce."

I wasn’t exactly surprised when I heard his name, but it still stirred something deep inside me. Henry had constantly targeted Pierce, so it made sense that Pierce would retaliate.

Just as I was processing this, Tanya handed me a cup of tea.

“Actually, Pierce has…” she trailed off, her brow furrowed, hesitating. Her indecision was frustrating, making me lose my patience.

“What about him?” I snapped, my voice suddenly louder.

Any mention of Pierce seemed to trigger me as if the anger I harbored for him and his past actions was something I could