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Dimitri fell back a step, grinding his teeth at Jace’s revelation. His claim was a mockery of Dimitri’s dream offinding his family. But he was certain that Jace, at least, believed his words were true.

Rosalie sucked in a breath, and Dimitri’s field of vision darkened even further. Jace had come to Thebarton because of him. That meant Dimitri had been indirectly responsible for everything that had happened to Rosalie and her family.

“Brother?” she whispered.

It came out as a question, but he could already see the dawning acceptance on her face. The sight stung, although it shouldn’t. They had both known his father was not an estimable man, so it was no surprise he didn’t raise estimable men either.

Rosalie’s hand gripped his arm, clearly trying to convey reassurance. He smiled down at her. He didn’t like the idea of sharing blood with Jace, but if she thought he was shaken by the revelation, she didn’t need to worry. He might not have any family around him at that moment, but he had been raised by family. He knew enough about what family meant to know that Jace was no family of his.

“Any blood we share isn’t blood I claim,” he said coldly to Jace. He had already guessed what the connection must be. “You are no family of mine.”

Jace’s expression turned ugly. “I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re just like your mother, I see. The only family you’re interested in are the rich and powerful ones.” He spat on the stone floor of the entryway.

“Is that what your father told you?” Dimitri asked.

“Our father,” Jace countered quickly, but Dimitri continued.

“If he said Mother abandoned him because he was poor, he lied. He was the one to leave her.”

“If he did, it was the old lord’s fault,” Jace said bitterly. “He rejected our father first. He was so stingy—so determined to hold onto his wealth and not share it with anyone—that heturned his back on his own son-in-law. If our father left your mother, it’s because your grandfather forced him into it.”

“My grandfather shared his wealth with a great many people,” Dimitri said calmly. “His objection to your father was due to his character, not his status. But where is your father now? If he feels he has a right to this place, why are you here instead of him?”

“He’s dead.” Jace said the word baldly and without feeling. “When I was a child, the old lord came searching for us—as if he hadn’t done enough damage already. He revealed to everyone that my father already had a wife and child. When my mother discovered her marriage was invalid, she took ill. She was useless after that, and I’m fortunate I was old enough that Father took me with him when he left. My mother’s family turned their backs on us, so he had no choice but to seek other funds.”

“You mean he had to find someone new to cheat,” Dimitri said bluntly.

Jace shrugged. “He cheated the wrong people eventually. He died several seasons back in a tavern brawl after he was caught cheating at cards. It was the old lord who reduced him to such straits, so it seemed fair I should come and claim something of his in exchange.” He looked around the building. “It’s just fortunate you turned up and inspired the Legacy to get involved. It was slim pickings before that. Whereas now…”

He opened the case in his hands and displayed the glittering jewels inside to Rosalie.

“I would have placed these around your neck with my own hands. You should have accepted my offer when you had the chance.”

“I don’t want anything from you,” Rosalie said stiffly, but Dimitri could tell she was as awed by the jewels displayed inside the case as he was.

The lustrous gems were larger than any he’d ever seen, and the craftsmanship of the jewelry was of the highest quality. The one case contained a selection of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and tiaras, each piece beautiful enough to meet the approval of a queen. On his journey to the manor, he had seen storefronts proudly displaying much lower quality wares.

“Is this something you should store in the bottom of your wardrobe?” Jace asked chidingly. “You were wasting it anyway, so why not share with family?”

Rosalie grimaced at Dimitri and whispered, “I guess I should have checked the furniture in my chamber more closely.”

He shook his head. Rosalie needed no adornment.

“Enough of this,” he said wearily to Jace. “Put down what you’ve stolen and leave. I owe neither you nor your father anything. You want consideration for shared blood between us? Fine. If you walk out that door now and keep going—never returning to Thebarton nor coming near any of us again—I’ll let you go. But this is your only chance.”

The two men behind Jace shifted uncomfortably, sharing a glance. When they put down the chest, Dimitri hoped they might leave. But instead they drew weapons, one pulling out a sword and the other a knife. He tensed.

“I’m disappointed, brother,” Jace murmured, his soft voice dangerous.

“And I, likewise,” Dimitri replied.

He eased in front of Rosalie, his sword ready and legs poised to lunge. But Jace signaled to his men, and they lunged not toward Rosalie, but toward Daphne.

They moved quickly, reaching her before Dimitri could change direction and intervene. The knife wielder seized her from behind, holding his blade to her throat, while the one with the sword held back the outraged triplets.

“It doesn’t do to get predictable,” Jace said with a satisfied smile as his men retreated in his direction, dragging Daphne with them. “And now unless you want to see this woman dead, I recommend you put down your weapon, stand aside, and let us leave in peace. We’ll call this a small gift between brothers. I’m sure no one would question such a thing.”

Dimitri glanced sideways at Rosalie. She had one hand hidden in her skirts, hiding her tiny weapon, and she was staring at him with pleading eyes. What was she trying to communicate?