Queen Of Hearts

Discussion

Katherine

After lunch, we spent the day in Venice. Cruz and Joe went sightseeing while Julian paid for a gondola ride for us. Julian stepped into the boat, then helped me inside. Once we settled into our seats, the man pushed the boat from the dock and moved us down the water.

Julian wrapped his arm around me and held me close as thoughts flooded my mind. "You've been quiet since we left Mr. Moretti's home."

"It's a lot of information to take in. It boggles my mind how Henry stole you from a loving home to give you a hellish one? How does a man do that to a child?"

"Because Henry was a tyrant. I never felt a paternal bond with Henry. It was more of a fear-based bond. Submit or suffer the consequences."

"But you never submitted to Henry."

"No."

"But you submitted to Addison."

"Unfortunately. I craved a maternal figure, and Addison used it to her advantage."

"What about your mother?"

Julian became quiet.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." I sighed.

Julian placed his finger under my chin and moved my face to his. "Don't apologize. I loved my mother, but a monster instilled fear in her. She tried to protect me."

"You said you left after her death. How were you able to leave without Henry finding out?"

"I waited until Henry left on a business trip and packed a bag of clothes. Then I left, living on the streets until Addison found me. The first three months were a dream until they came into a hellish nightmare. When I left for college, I met Lewis and cut ties with Addison."

"How did you meet Vincent?"

"I applied for an internship at his company at Lewis's suggestion and became his protégé, learning about business. I lied to Vincent and used an alias, figuring he would never discover the truth."

"But Vincent did."

I chuckled. "Yes, because I underestimated Vincent, which was something he taught me never to do. I wanted to find a way to destroy my father for the hell I endured. Vincent thought I was encroaching on his territories. I wanted to force his hand so he would help me with my quest."

"Why not ask Vincent?"

"Have you met Vincent?"

"Yes, I have. Vincent helped secure my annulment from Cameron. Then he interfered in my relationship with you."

Julian quirked his brow.

"You would think Vincent would be happy I was out of his life."

"Unless he had other reasons."

"What do you mean?"

"I've learned Vincent has reasons for his actions. How much do you know about his reason for what he did to us?"

I sat next to Julian and pondered his question. I had no idea why Vincent would interfere in my relationship with Julian.

"Katherine?"

I looked at Julian.

"Did you ever meet your mother's family?"

I shook my head. "No, because my father would never allow it. Why?"

"Your mother has a brother."

I gaped at Julian. "What?"

"She had a younger brother named Ryan. Ryan works for Vincent."