I’d have to call her later. Suddenly, Nathan coughed. He’d noticed my distraction and asked me to help him in the kitchen.

“What’s going on, Evangeline?” he whispered once we were alone.

“That’s her,” I said urgently. “The scammer Margaret told us about. I’m sure of it.”

“What? The one who broke her son’s heart and stole everything?” Nathan frowned, hands on his hips. “Are you positive? It could just be someone who looks like her.”

“I’m telling you, Nathan, it’s her,” I insisted. “Margaret shared that photo everywhere she could for months after she disappeared. I need to do something before she hurts Xavier too.”

Nathan sighed but didn’t argue. “Just… be careful. Let’s not accuse anyone without proof.”

When dinner ended, I’d come up with a plan and set it into motion. “Danielle, would you help me pick out a wine from the basement?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

She hesitated but nodded. “Sure,” she said, standing up.

I led her downstairs, trying to be as casual as possible. Luckily, she was shy enough that conversation wasn’t that important. But the moment she stepped into the dimly lit basement, I turned and locked the door behind her.

My hands were shaking as I hurried back upstairs. “Nathan, call the police. Now!”

Xavier shot up from his seat, brows furrowed. “Mom, what are you doing?!” he demanded.

“That woman is not who she says she is,” I said firmly. “She’s scammed people before. I’m protecting you.”

Xavier looked like I’d slapped him. “What? No! You’re wrong! Danielle’s not a scammer. She’s kind, she’s honest, and she’s my fiancée!”

I ignored him and called Margaret and explained the situation. “Send me that photo of the scammer,” I begged my friend and hung up. Seconds later, my phone buzzed with the image. It was her. There was no doubt in my mind.

I turned my phone to my son and husband. “See? I’m not crazy!”

Luckily, the police arrived shortly after, and they managed to confirm I wasn’t crazy… I was just wrong.

Xavier went down to let Danielle out of the basement. And for some reason, she wasn’t scared. She was frustrated but… amused.

She turned to us with a sigh. “Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, this isn’t the first time someone’s mistaken me for that woman,” she said. “I know exactly who you’re talking about. She’s ruined my life, or come close to it. But she’s blonde and has brown eyes, and my black hair and blue eyes are natural. I’m not her.”

One of the officers looked at her closely, then nodded. “I remember this case. The real scammer did use the name Danielle, but I heard she changed her name. She’s now Rosaline or Rosemary, and they last traced her to Mexico, so she’s out of this state’s jurisdiction. It’s hard to tell if they’ll ever catch her, but this is not her.”

My jaw dropped. I was relieved, yet so ashamed. “Oh my God! I… I’m so sorry,” I stammered.

To my surprise, Danielle smiled fully and then chuckled. “Well, that was an interesting way to meet my future in-laws,” she joked. “At least I got to pick out a wine.” And she had great taste too because the bottle she had grabbed was one of the most expensive.

Her words made me laugh, and the tension broke easily.

Xavier hugged her, clearly relieved and so in love. “I told you she wasn’t like that,” he said, shooting me a pointed look.

That night ended with apologies and a fresh start. Over time, I got to know Danielle and saw how much she truly loved Xavier. She was warm, funny, and an incredibly talented pastry chef, who even made her own wedding cake.

As for me, I learned a lesson about jumping to conclusions. While I’m still protective of Xavier, I’m learning to trust his choices. And now, we have a family story we’ll never forget—though I doubt Danielle will let me live it down anytime soon.