Chapter 15: The Person Who Started It All

The room felt like it was closing around me.

Someone had been influencing Caden long before Landon approached him.

Someone had planted the idea.

Someone had convinced him that my life belonged to him.

“Who?”” I asked.

My father looked at my mother.

That scared me.

“Dad.””

He hesitated.

“Your uncle.””

The name hit me like a physical blow.

“My uncle?””

My father nodded.

“Your grandfather’s younger brother.””

I frowned.

“He died before I was born.””

“No.””

My father’s voice was quiet.

“He disappeared.””

I looked at my mother.

She looked down.

Another secret.

Another hidden piece of my family’s history.

“My grandfather told everyone he left,” I said.

“He did,” my father replied.

“Why?””

“Because he was involved with Richard Vale.””

The puzzle pieces started connecting.

Landon.

Richard.

My uncle.

The old company.

The stolen money.

All of it.

My father opened another document.

“Your uncle believed your grandfather stole his future.””

“But he wasn’t the heir.””

“No.””

My father looked at me.

“That’s why he hated you.””

I felt sick.

“Because of me?””

“Because your grandfather chose you.””

I looked at Donovan’s bedroom door.

A three-year-old child.

A child who had inherited a war he never created.

My father continued.

“Your uncle worked with Richard Vale to damage the company.””

“Then where is he now?””

My father didn’t answer.

That was enough.

“You know.””

He nodded.

“He’s alive.””

My mother closed her eyes.

I stood.

“Where?””

Before my father could answer, my phone rang.

Unknown number.

Again.

Everyone looked at it.

I answered.

No one spoke.

Only breathing.

Then a voice.

Older.

Familiar.

“Emma.””

My blood turned cold.

Because I recognized it.

Not from today.

From childhood.

A voice that used to hold me when I was small.

A voice that used to tell me bedtime stories.

“Uncle Daniel?””

The silence on the other end confirmed it.

My father moved closer.

“Emma, hang up.””

But I couldn’t.

I needed answers.

“Why?””

A low laugh came through the phone.

“Because your father still thinks he can protect you.””

My hands trembled.

“You tried to destroy my family.””

“No.””

His voice became bitter.

“I tried to reclaim what was taken from mine.””

“You threatened my son.””

“I protected my future.””

My anger exploded.

“He is a child.””

“And you are the reason everything was taken from me.””

I looked at my father.

At my mother.

At Caden.

Everyone I loved had been connected to this somehow.

“Where are you?””

A pause.

Then:

“Come to the old Carter estate.””

My stomach dropped.

“That place was demolished.””

Another quiet laugh.

“You believed that.””

The call ended.

I stared at the phone.

My father looked terrified.

“You can’t go.””

I looked at him.

“I have to.””

“No.””

He stepped forward.

“Emma, he wants you alone.””

I looked toward Donovan’s room.

“No.””

My voice became steady.

“He wants me afraid.””

I picked up my coat.

“And I’m done being afraid.””

My father grabbed my arm.

“Emma.””

I looked at him.

“What?””

His expression broke.

“Don’t make the same mistake I did.””

I paused.

“What mistake?””

He whispered:

“Trusting that love is stronger than greed.””

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Outside, thunder rolled across the sky.

And somewhere in the darkness, the man who started everything was waiting for me.