The invite belonged to the one who carried the Winchester blood, even though that invite was handed to her by Philip. She would have been happy to carry if for Jeffrey if he was open with her but Joanne wanted to tell Jeffrey that she knew.
Jeffrey paused, confusion flickering in his eyes. Then he saw it—the name, the crest, the unmistakable seal. And then, more startling than any of that, he saw her face.
That look in her eyes.
Calm. Certain. Quietly knowing.
No accusations. No fury. Just this: I know.
A cold ripple moved through him, slow and sharp.
She knew. She had known.
How long had she carried that knowledge in silence?
And yet, she'd said nothing—not then, not now. She held the envelope out to him not to expose him, not to shame him, but to acknowledge him. To tell him, I see you. I've always seen you. And I'm still here.
