He shook his head. “So what if she didn’t steal? She played an important role in protecting me. I took Mom’s necklace. Dad jumped to the conclusion that it was Marie, and it was easier to let him believe it than to explain I’d pawned it.”
Her mouth grew dry at his cavalier explanation. “Why? We have trust funds! Why would you need to steal from your mother?”
Spencer had the grace to look sheepish, his cheeks red. “I burned through it. I knew Dad would have a fit, so I took the necklace. Mom called from her trip and asked him to have it fixed, but it was missing Dad blamed Marie. Mom believed she’d misplaced it.”
Cassie blinked. And blinked again, certain she was in an alternate universe. “And you let him,” she whispered, horrified.
But then she remembered Derek’s information on what Spencer had been up to while he was abroad, and his entire ugly existence was confirmed.
He was a selfish narcissist who believed he could do no wrong. That was the only explanation for Spencer’s behavior. And as for her father, he hadn’t deliberately framed an innocent woman, he’d believed his own actions to be justified.
“Why did Dad let me and Mom think they quit?” she asked.
“Because you and Mom have soft hearts. He said you would be devastated if you knew the truth, so he wove a lie you’d fall for.” Spencer shook his head. “But Dad’s way is not my way. I’m happy to tell you the truth now.”
She pressed her pounding temples. “So you were against me seeing Derek because—”
“The same reasons I said. He’s beneath you. You’re a Storms.”
“And he’s a constant reminder of what you did. You’re also jealous because he’s successful and you’re a sycophant who lives off of others,” she said in disgust.
Spencer didn’t seem the least fazed by her description. He didn’t care how he succeeded as long as he did.
She pushed herself to her feet, anger pulsing through her. “I’m through. Dad and Mom need to know the truth.”
At least her mother did. Cassie wouldn’t let her mom go on believing her husband had deliberately destroyed the lives of the West family. She’d looked broken when Cassie had told her. Defeated. At the very least, Cassie could restore her faith.
And maybe get Spencer out of his position of authority at Storms Consolidated while she was at it. Christopher had often covered for his son, but this was extreme. And Cassie had to believe he’d throw her brother out on his entitled ass once he knew.
“Dad won’t care,” Spencer said, full of confidence, contradicting her hopes. “He put me in charge. He wants me to succeed.”
Yep. Narcissistic and a lot crazy. Cassie ignored him. Even if her father chose to ignore the past, the board would care. Somehow, someway, she’d save her grandfather’s company from Spencer’s destructive hands.
She had to. Because after today, the company might be all she had left.
* * *
From Spencer’s, Cassie headed next door to see her parents. Her father wasn’t home, but her mother was happy to see her. She sat her down and explained the conversation she’d had with her brother. The truth brought her mother to tears. Relieved tears that her husband wasn’t the monster they’d both feared, and angsty pain-filled tears that her son was capable of such callous, destructive behavior. Cassie hugged her mother, feeling all the same conflicting emotions, wishing there was something they could do to change the past. Knowing there wasn’t anything that would undo the hurt Spencer had caused.
“You can’t take on his behavior as your own,” her mother said, squeezing both Cassie’s hands tightly in her own.
“But I can make it easier on Derek’s family to keep the past where it belongs. If they don’t have to see me, to deal with our family in any way, they can put it behind them.” Pain ripped through her chest, but they deserved better.
“Honey, I take it you’re in love with the man or you wouldn’t be so emotional.”
Cassie blinked back tears and nodded.
“Would you walk away from him if the situation were reversed? If his sibling had done something to me?” her mother asked.
“No. I’d fight for him.”
“So why aren’t you fighting for him now?” her mother asked.
“I told him to take time, to think. He deserves to make a decision about us with a clear head.”
Her mother rolled her eyes. “Fine, but if he’s a smart man, he won’t let you go.”
She laughed. “You’re biased.”