Chapter 46

If Michael hadn't been scheming behind their backs, things would've never turned out like this. Elizabeth would've never had to suffer through all that pain. But... was it all Michael's fault? If William hadn't let himself be manipulated, if he'd just trusted Elizabeth a little more, if he'd only realized sooner that she was the one he truly loved—maybe things wouldn't have spiraled this far. The pain in his gut was getting worse, but it didn't even come close to the crushing weight in his chest. William clenched his left fist tightly, then released it, then clenched again—over and over—until finally, his hand just dropped. “I won't let her know what you've done,” he said quietly. Michael jerked his head up, eyes wide in disbelief. But William's eyes—there was no hatred left, just a cold emptiness. “She cares too much. If she found out, it would destroy her. I'd rather she go on thinking you're still that gentle, kind brother.” Michael stared at him like it was the first time he was re