Fitzgerald quietly slid the tissue to her hand and watched Samantha dab at her eyes, trying to compose herself.
It wasn't the first time.
Years ago, she'd cried because of that woman too.
Every time Samantha mentioned her aunt, there had always been another story. Another criticism. Another impossible expectation. Another occasion where Samantha smiled through hurt she pretended didn't exist.
Back then, he'd listened. Then… he'd forgotten. Or rather... he'd never considered it worth doing anything about.
Until now.
His gaze lingered on Samantha's reddened eyes. Something inside him settled.
When Timothy had mentioned the name of Maximilian Whitmore's fiancée...
Catherine Preston.
He had immediately known who she was. Or rather... who Samantha's aunt was. Fate had an odd sense of humor. It had delivered the woman back into his life.
Perhaps... it was finally time to finish something he should have done years ago.
