Chapter 130

Elena’s POV Laura looked at me, raising an eyebrow. “Wait… that’s really your mom? Shouldn’t you know her better than anyone?” I swallowed hard, trying to steady my voice. “I… I have my reasons. Just answer the question.” She hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. Her real name’s Maurene. That’s what everyone’s called her since I knew her back when we were teenagers working together.” My stomach twisted. I braced myself, but Laura didn’t stop there. “I haven’t heard much about her the past few years. Word was she headed to the big city to… make a living. Things apparently didn’t go too well. And kids? Honestly? I’m surprised she only has one. She’s… well, she’s been around a lot of men.” The air went cold around me. I stumbled back a step, feeling like my heart had been dropped into ice. For a brief moment, until now, I’d allowed myself a tiny sliver of hope. Maybe this was some cruel joke, a random woman pretending to be my mother. Maybe my father had tricked me. But hearing this from Laura,