Chapter 57

Carolina's ethereal presence lingered as Althea rose, the elm stone still cradled in her hand. Carolina's ghostly smile persisted, and she spoke with a sense of melancholy, "You look just like her."

Althea furrowed her brow, confusion etching her features. "Like who?"

Carolina's eyes held a mixture of sorrow and recognition. "My sister."

Althea's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Margaret? But she never spoke of any family, and my mother—"

Carolina gently interrupted, "Not Margaret. My sister, Joseline. The one who gave you away to Margaret."

Althea's eyes widened in astonishment. "Joseline? She's is my real mother?"

Carolina nodded. "Yes, and she chose Margaret as the guardian because she was the least suspected. But there's more, Althea."

Althea, eager for answers, urged Carolina to continue. "What do you mean?"