#Chapter 236: A New Ally

Agnes My stomach dropped. For a moment, I considered lying—making up some story about historical research or a prop for one of the Isabella Foundation’s campaigns. But as I opened my mouth, I realized I was tired of the deception. Lena had been nothing but honest with me, sharing her difficult past and caring for my daughter. Maybe it was time I returned that honesty. “We need to talk,” I said quietly. I glanced around the hallway, noting a few of Richard’s staff moving in and out of nearby rooms. “Not here. Follow me.” Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked toward a small study I’d noticed earlier during our tour of the house. Lena followed, the letter still clutched in her hand. “Elijah!” I called out as lightly as I could as we passed the dining room. “Can you join us for a moment?” Elijah appeared in the doorway with a questioning look on his face. When he saw the letter in Lena’s hand, his expression immediately shifted to one of