Chapter 2077 Standing Behind
- In Colin's world, Rowena occupied a privileged place. So even after he realized she had not been completely open, the idea of ending things with her never felt like a real option.
- “Sophia,” he drawled, the words heavy with resignation, “you are right about many things. I can forgive almost anything where Rowena is concerned, but I cannot extend that same grace to you. That alone proves my feelings for her run deeper than whatever lingered between us. And remember this—your mother was the one who inflicted harm—on my family as well as on others. When you refuse to share information about her, you expose us to shame and potential damage. Keeping silent becomes deliberate deceit. Rowena and her mother, on the other hand, were victims. Their reputations are clean. If Rowena avoids the past, it is only because those memories still hurt. These two situations are not the same.”
- “Excuses! Nothing but excuses!” Sophia sobbed, shaking her head so hard her hair whipped across tear-streaked cheeks. “You talk and talk because Rowena has a wealthy stepfather and an even richer stepbrother. Do you really believe the Wachter men treat her as a true daughter or sister just because she took their family name? You're chasing her title—heiress of the Wachter family—so you can expand your business, aren't you? She's only a step-child; how much weight can she possibly carry in that household? She presents herself with dignity in front of you, but for all you know, the Wachter men treat her like a dog. Even if she knelt before them, tail wagging, they still wouldn't spare her a glance!”