Annie drew a trembling breath.

She choked but continued, her words trembling with emotion. “Beatrice... she almost killed Ms. Ward’s grandmother! She lied to the old woman, said she was pregnant with your child. She nearly scared her to death. And you—Julian, you hit Ms. Ward for her!”

Julian froze.

Beatrice, pregnant? Impossible.

He turned slowly to Beatrice, his gaze darkening. “Did you tell Francesca’s grandmother you were ...