Claire studies Alana for several long moments before speaking again. She doesn't sound angry anymore. If anything, her voice grows quieter, filled with exhaustion of whatever is going to come next.
"So... you really don't know what your father did," Claire asks, still surprised by the fact.
Alana remains silent, Claire continues without waiting for an answer. "I might not be the only woman."
Olivia gently places a hand over Claire's, silently encouraging her to continue. "The first time," Claire says, "I managed to run away before he could do anything."
Claire remembers that day with clarity. The fear, the helplessness, and the realization that she had no one powerful enough to stand between her and a marquis. Back then, she was only an actress. She had no title, no influence, and no family capable of protecting her from someone like Cesare von Farnese.
