Chapter 18: The Final Flight

The airport was crowded.

People rushed past us carrying luggage, drinks, and last-minute gifts.

Everyone looked like they were starting a new journey.

We were trying to stop someone from escaping his past.

Michael met us near the entrance.

Seeing him in person was strange.

For years, he had been a ghost.

A name.

A mystery.

Now he stood in front of me.

Older than Clara.

Tired.

But determined.

“You came.””

I nodded.

“You knew he was leaving.””

Michael looked toward the departure screens.

“Yes.””

“How?””

“Because he always runs when the truth gets close.””

Clara stepped forward.

“You knew my brother was alive?””

Michael looked at her.

“I’m sorry.””

“For what?””

“For not coming back sooner.””

She looked hurt.

“Why didn’t you?””

“Because your father threatened everyone connected to me.””

My jaw tightened.

“He ruined two families.””

Michael nodded.

“Yes.””

Then he looked at me.

“But he didn’t do it alone.””

I knew what he meant.

My mother.

Vanessa.

Everyone who stayed silent.

We followed Michael through the airport.

“He has the evidence?””

“Yes.””

“The original documents?””

“And something else.””

“What?””

Michael stopped walking.

“The confession.””

I frowned.

“What confession?””

“The one your father recorded himself.””

My stomach tightened.

“Why would he record that?””

“Because he was arrogant.””

Michael gave a bitter smile.

“He wanted proof that he had won.””

We reached the private terminal entrance.

A security guard blocked us.

Michael handed over a document.

The guard checked it.

Then stepped aside.

Inside, everything was quiet.

Too quiet.

Then we saw him.

My father.

Standing near a private jet.

He looked surprised.

But not afraid.

“I knew you’d come.””

I stepped forward.

“Why?””

He smiled.

“Because you’re my son.””

The words disgusted me.

“You don’t know me.””

“I know you better than anyone.””

“No.””

I looked at Clara.

“She does.””

My father’s expression changed.

Just slightly.

Enough.

“You chose her.””

“I chose the truth.””

He sighed.

“You think the truth will make you happy?””

“No.””

I looked at the evidence case beside him.

“But lies already destroyed enough.””

He picked up the case.

“You have no idea what you’re fighting for.””

Michael stepped forward.

“You stole from my family.””

My father looked at him.

Then smiled.

“You survived.””

Everyone froze.

Michael’s face changed.

“What did you say?””

My father’s smile disappeared.

“You think I didn’t know you were alive?””

Silence.

Michael stepped closer.

“What?””

My father looked at me.

“Ask him.””

I turned.

“What is he talking about?””

Michael looked away.

And that scared me.

“Michael?””

He didn’t answer.

My father laughed quietly.

“Everyone has secrets.””

I looked between them.

“What secret?””

Michael finally spoke.

“I wasn’t hiding from your father.””

A pause.

“I was hiding from the truth.””

Before I could respond, alarms suddenly sounded.

Security rushed toward the terminal.

My father smiled.

Not worried.

Prepared.

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