The words Nina Donovan was about to say caught in her throat.
She looked at Vivian Sterling, who was even more shocked, staring straight at her without blinking.
The little girl holding Vivian Sterling's hand let go. Dressed in a white, lace-trimmed cotton coat, she fluttered like a butterfly to Jasper Sherwood's feet and stared at Nina Donovan, her wide, dark eyes full of hostility.
In a childish voice, she asked, "Daddy, who is this lady?"
Jasper Sherwood frowned, about to say something.
Nina Donovan quickly waved her hands and took a few steps back, putting distance between herself and Jasper Sherwood.
She told the little girl, "Don't get the wrong idea. We're complete strangers."
Nina Donovan couldn't describe her feelings at that moment. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her, chilling her to the bone.
If an hour ago, Nina Donovan was still clinging to a sliver of hope, then this was the final, undeniable proof.
