Chapter 192

“Daisy, you look too much like your mother for it to be a coincidence,” William said. “My parents say you are the spitting image of Joanna Wilson. Everyone who has ever seen her or has been inside Alex’s ballroom can see it.”

“Alex said my maid must have molded my looks, so I resembled Joanna in the portrait.”

“No way!” William exclaimed. “I remember you before you began wearing contacts and makeup. You have your mother’s eyes, and the shape of your face is exactly like hers.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“Your bright green eye color is rare,” he pointed out. “They are the exact shade as Joanna’s, while Olivia’s are hazel green.”

“That’s true, but it wasn't hard evidence.”

“I’ve been talking to Olivia to draw more information from her for my investigation,” William said. “There are several more reasons why my parents and I think she's an imposter.”

I was stunned. William and his parents think Olivia is an imposter! How many other Alphas thought this, too?

I reminded myself it didn’t mean it was true. People believe conspiracy theories all the time. The internet, especially social media, is full of lies from questionable sources that people reposted because they wanted it to be true.

As badly as I wanted my life as Daisy Wilson back, I couldn't fall into that trap. But I wanted to hear all his evidence and how he got it.

“Tell me everything you know,” I requested.

William smiled and began. “There is no reason for anyone to double-check the blood samples at the lab after all this time. Any lab would have double-checked the results before giving them to your father.”

“I guess,” I said with a shrug. I hated appearing ungrateful, but this wasn’t proof.

But William was just getting started. “Daisy, why would a reputable lab suddenly need to check the result after all this time?” he asked. “Alex didn’t ask them to do it, right?”

I searched my memory for Alex’s exact words that terrible afternoon when he told me I wasn’t his daughter. “No. He said they contacted him to tell him about the mistake.”

“That’s what I thought,” William said. “I got more suspicious when a friend of my mom’s told her there is a young stage actress in Olivia’s country with the same first and last name as hers.”

“That could be a coincidence,” I said. “Many people have the same names. I met another Daisy Smith when I was ten.”

“But I asked Olivia if she enjoys going to plays,” William said. “She said she loves them and did some acting in her country. If someone wanted to impersonate you to get Alex’s fortune, they would use an actress.”

Again, this wasn’t evidence of anything. “There must be many girls named Olivia who enjoy acting. She probably meant she acted in school plays.”

“I will find out for sure.” William grinned. “I sent messages to people in her country. My dad does business with an importer named Chester Owens in Olivia’s country,” William said.

“Dad told me Chester was born in Denhurst,” William said. “He left years ago to start his business. He’s now married and has three children. Dad is pretty sure one is a girl our age named Olivia.”

I had to be sure before I let myself believe William’s story. “Even if this is the same Olivia, the fact that her father is from Denhurst could mean he found her here, adopted her, and took her to his new home in another country.”

“When is her birthday?” I asked.

William looked at the floor. “Olivia said it’s November 28th.”

A wave of disappointment made me groan. “That’s the same day as mine. She could be Alberta.”

“Or she could be lying about her birth date,” William suggested. “Your birthday is public knowledge. Alex even had a well-publicized ball to celebrate it.”

All I could do was shrug again. This wasn’t anything conclusive. I didn’t want to get my hopes up without real evidence.

“Have you looked up the actress named Olivia Owens online?” I asked.

He pulled out his phone and brought up a photo. It was Olivia from school!

I read aloud part of the article dated six months ago from beneath her image. “Olivia Owens delighted yet another audience with her lively portrayal of Cara Knight in the enthralling new play Side By Side.”

“She is a professional actress,” I said slowly, letting it sink in. But did that mean someone hired her to play Alberta Wilson to get Alex’s money?

“Not to upset you, Daisy, but it’s also public knowledge that Alex has a terminal disease. He was in the hospital a few months ago. It was in the news worldwide. Scammers would be after his money.”

“It sounds suspicious when you put it together like this,” I admitted. “But how can you prove it?”

“Give me a little more time,” he said. “The replies to my emails and letters should come soon, and I’ll keep asking Olivia questions.”

William got to his feet and walked to the living room windows to look at the view.

“Daisy, did you know Alex has his people watching you?” he asked.

I joined William near the windows. “I’ve got a terrific housekeeper that Benson hired,” I replied. “Her studio apartment is across the hall, and she’s always here. I enjoy her company.”

“Where is she now?”

“Mrs. Carson went grocery shopping,” I told him. “She’ll be back soon. You’ll love her.”

“Besides Mrs. Carson, there is a doorman named Seth who I’ve seen working with Alex’s gardener, and when I parked on the street, his Chauffeur was cruising around this block in Alex’s green Mercedes.”

“I didn’t know he had a Mercedes,” I said. That would make it an excellent vehicle to use to hide Joe’s identity.

“Alex hasn’t driven himself since he got sick,” William explained. “But I remember seeing him drive it, and I know what his chauffeur looks like. He must care about you to keep watch over you like this.”

I smiled into his eyes. “Knowing that makes me happy. I care about Alex too.”

William put his strong arms around me. “As soon as I have concrete evidence that you are the real Alberta Wilson, I will take it to Alex. He will know what to do to have Olivia and her co-conspirators put behind bars.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I want my life back with Alex. And it would be horrible to let criminals get their hands on his fortune.”

Yes, I was beginning to believe William was right. It felt good to have hope again.

William’s gaze locked with mine, and his arms tightened around me as he lowered his head toward mine.

Our lips met, and I let myself melt into the moment. It felt wonderful to be close to someone like this. I felt safe, wanted, and loved.

I opened my mouth slightly, wanting the kiss to deepen, but the sound of the door unlocking made me pull away from him a moment before Mrs. Carson entered the apartment, juggling an armful of groceries.

William ran to her side to take them from her. “Please, allow me to help, Mrs. Carson.”

“We’ll, isn’t this nice.” Mrs. Carson’s eyes twinkled merrily. “Thank you, young man. You can put them in the kitchen.”

“This is William James,” I said, wondering if she saw us kissing.

She led the way to the kitchen and winked as she passed me. “Where did you find such a handsome boyfriend?”

I blushed when William grinned at me over the top of the grocery bags.

She must have seen us kiss. Too embarrassed to follow them, I heard Mrs. Carson ask William to place the bags on the counter, and he returned to me in the living room

William took my hand and walked to the door. “I will prove you are the true Alberta Wilson.”

He kissed me lightly on the lips. “I promise. As soon as I get the replies to my letters, I’ll let you know. “Don’t be upset if you see me talking to Olivia. Okay?”

“Okay,” I agreed. It was a relief to know he hadn’t thrown away our friendship for the girl who was taking my place and taking over my life.

After one more quick kiss, William left, and I joined Mrs. Carson in the kitchen.

“He put a smile on your face,” she said. “I’m glad he was able to cheer you up.”

“He did cheer me up,” I agreed. But it wasn’t for the reason she thought.

I was thrilled at the prospect of having my life as Daisy Wilson back. Hopefully, William will soon have the proof that would let me return to the mansion.