Italian Bachelors: Devilish D'angelos. Кэрол Мортимер

allowed to come out in court because they would have prejudiced the verdict, but surely you know that your father was a professional conman.’

      ‘How dare you?’ she gasped furiously.

      Gabriel frowned. ‘Not only that, but he brought about his own downfall.’

      ‘You already said that!’

      ‘But I mean this literally.’ He sighed. ‘Bryn, the reason I came to your home, talked to your father a couple times, was to try to talk him out of going through with trying to sell the painting. Because I knew, deep inside me, here—’ he held his hand to his heart ‘—that the painting was a forgery. I had no proof but that feeling, but that was enough for me to try to stop him from going through with it. The morning after I visited him the second time the headlines of the painting’s existence were blazing across half a dozen newspapers.’

      ‘You’re saying my father was the one who went to the press?’ Bryn gasped.

      ‘Well, I certainly didn’t. And if it wasn’t me, then it had to be him. If you don’t believe me—’

      ‘Of course I don’t believe you!’ she said scornfully.

      He sighed heavily. ‘Then ask your mother about him, Bryn,’ he encouraged. ‘Ask her to tell you about all the years she suffered in silence through William’s schemes and machinations. Ask her if he went to the press. You have to ask her, Bryn,’ he repeated forcefully.

      ‘I don’t have to do anything.’ She gave a determined shake of her head. ‘I think—’ she breathed deeply ‘—that I may actually hate you for the things you’ve said tonight.’

      Gabriel had no choice but to watch as Bryn left, accepting that if hate was all Bryn had to give him, then he would take even that hate.