Marcus studied Delphine carefully, his expression carrying quiet, controlled authority as he prepared to deliver information that would completely unravel her understanding of everything that had just transpired. "Your mother bought this store," he said simply, his voice carrying easily across the tense sidewalk, "and named you the owner."
Delphine's face drained instantly of all color, her mouth falling open as the devastating weight of his words settled over her. She stared at Aurelia in stunned, horrified disbelief, searching desperately for some explanation that might soften the catastrophic reality now unfolding before her.
"That's impossible," she whispered, her voice trembling with dawning, horrified realization. Aurelia remained standing calmly beside Marcus, her expression carrying quiet, unwavering composure despite everything that had just occurred between them.
"The Cross & Vale flagship store," Marcus continued, his voice carrying devastating clarity, "along with the entire retail chain, was purchased by Miss Whitmore's mother three months ago. Miss Whitmore has been quietly overseeing operations ever since, though she chose to remain unrecognized while she assessed each location's true management practices firsthand."