Chapter 2

I didn’t show any reaction.

“The Montgomery family, I’ve heard of them.” I set the coffee on the table. “Care for a cup?”

Victoria took the cup, took a sip, and displayed a reserved satisfaction.

“Ma’am, I’m here today because I want to talk about Liam and me.”

“And what about it?”

“We’ve been together for almost six months.” She put the cup down, her tone turning serious―at least on the surface. “I truly like Liam. But I know the gap between our families is a bit large. So, my grandfather’s idea is that our families should sit down and talk.”

When she said “the gap is a bit large,” her eyes lingered on the cotton fabric of my loungewear.

Her subtext was: I’m an heiress of an Old Money family; your son isn’t good enough for me, but considering you’re somewhat wealthy, we can “talk.”

She didn’t know that the “Old Money” she took such pride in was a fiction her grandmother had spent forty years stitching together. When Arthur was building his company from scratch, Beatrice was still ironing clothes in a Brooklyn tenement.

And Alistair’s company was worth six times that of Montgomery Capital.

She didn't know these things.

“Your grandfather’s idea?” I asked.

“Yes.” Victoria nodded, a trace of smugness crossing her face. “The Montgomerys take marriage very seriously. Grandfather said that if he approves, he can support Liam’s career―like helping the Sterling family break into the Wall Street circle. For your family, this is an opportunity you couldn’t dream of.”

The living room fell silent for two seconds.

I looked at this twenty-three-year-old girl. Her confidence came from her family background, as did her arrogance.

She didn’t know that the “Old Money family” she spoke of was built on a massive lie. The “Matriarch Montgomery” she adored―her grandmother―was an impostor.

And I, this woman in cotton slippers, was the only biological descendant of Arthur Montgomery.

“Victoria,” I said, “I need to discuss this with Liam.”

“Of course.” She smiled. “But, ma’am, I suggest you agree sooner rather than later. My grandfather doesn’t often extend favors. If you miss this chance, it would be a shame.”

As she spoke, there was something in her eyes that I recognized all too well.

Condescension.

It was the exact same expression her grandmother wore when she looked at my mother forty years ago.

After Victoria left, I called Liam.

“Mom, what’s up?”

“Your girlfriend stopped by today.”

There was a second of silence on the other end.

“She went to our house?”

“Yes.”

“...What did she say to you?”

“A lot,” I said. “The most interesting bit was that our social standing is inferior, so her grandfather can help the Sterling company get into the Wall Street inner circle. Are you dating her, or looking for an investor?”

Liam took a deep breath.

“Mom, I’m sorry. She shouldn’t have said that.”

“No need to apologize. She’s just a twenty-two-year-old, and her words represent her and the family behind her.”

“Mom―”

“Liam,” I interrupted, “I only need you to answer one question. Do you really know this girl?”

The line remained quiet for a long time.

“I’m not sure anymore.”

“Then find out. Before she tells you who she is, make sure you know who her family really is.”

I hung up.

I sat in the living room, watching the Manhattan skyline outside the window. The sunset was bathing the entire city in gold.

Forty years ago, my mother was driven out of a mansion at the peak of this city, walking into a blizzard while carrying me.

Forty years later, the granddaughter of the woman who drove her away stood at my doorstep.