Chapter 217

• Everyone knew the truth, yet they chose to stay silent, allowing Gavin to bear the weight of being branded an illegitimate child. The Smith Family, who should have been his protectors, had instead become the very ones pushing him further into the fire of humiliation and suffering.
• George let out a heavy sigh. “Ma, the president no longer hopes for vindication or to clear his name. All he seeks now is the truth about who caused Madam Prudence’s death.”
• To Gavin, there was little difference between the Smith Family and the Stone Family. Both were willing to sacrifice anything—and anyone—for their own gain.