Chapter 76

"Grandma, it's me." The voice in the recording was unmistakably hers. "How have you been feeling lately?" "Stella, sweetie..." Old Mrs. Hart's voice was as gentle as ever. "I'm doing just fine, just... kind of miss you. When are you coming to see me?" "I—I've been a bit tied up lately." The voice cracked slightly. "Grandma, there's something I need to tell you." Stella bit down hard on her lip. She'd never made that call. But the voice... it was 100% hers. "What is it? Don't cry, take your time." Old Mrs. Hart was softly comforting her in the recording. By now, Stella's tears were falling nonstop. "It's... about Sophie." Suddenly, the voice on the recording broke down. "Sophie—she's gone." "What?!" Old Mrs. Hart's voice shot up. "Stella, what are you saying? How could... Sophie..." "I'm sorry, Grandma..." "I know you loved her like your own granddaughter, but I just can't take it anymore. I... I want to divorce Charles." "Stella..." Old Mrs. Hart's voice turned weak. "How could you..."