Chapter 319 A Daughter

• Natalia’s mother, Mrs. Kostas, was a remarkably intelligent woman. When she had been imprisoned by Dante, half of her apparent madness had been real, half an act—designed to bide her time and eventually reveal the injustices done to her. But after being trapped so long, with no strength left to resist and no hope in sight, she had chosen the only path left: an escape through despair.
• Now, when Natalia accidentally let slip a “Mom,” Mrs. Kostas noticed Patrick’s faintly surprised expression. She didn’t bother explaining. Instead, she said softly, “Victoria, my dear child… your mother isn’t here, but Mommy Pauline is, and that’s just as good.”
• Hearing this, Natalia regained a little clarity. She gave Patrick a wary glance but said nothing more, gripping her mother’s hand and nodding slightly. From now on, it would only be the two of them—mother and daughter—relying on each other. No one else could be trusted.