Chapter 12: The Choice Sarah Made
I refused to believe him.
Not because I trusted Vanessa.
Not because I trusted Ethan.
But because Richard Carter had spent his entire life manipulating people.
A liar could tell the truth once.
That didn’t make him honest.
“Where is Emily?”” I asked again.
Richard ignored me.
“You’re still thinking like a father.””
“Yes.””
“That’s your weakness.””
I stared at him.
“No.””
I stepped closer.
“That’s my strength.””
For the first time, his expression changed.
Only slightly.
But I noticed.
Because men like Richard weren’t used to being challenged.
“Sarah made the same mistake,” he said.
“What mistake?””
“She loved too easily.””
My fists tightened.
“Don’t talk about her.””
“She believed love could fix everything.””
“And you believed control could.””
Richard looked away.
“You have no idea what I sacrificed.””
“You mean what you destroyed.””
Before he could answer, my phone rang.
Vanessa.
I answered immediately.
“Where is Emily?””
Her voice was shaking.
“She’s gone.””
My heart dropped.
“What?””
“Rachel stepped outside for one minute. When she came back…”
She started crying.
“I’m sorry.””
I closed my eyes.
“Find her.””
“I’m trying.””
I ended the call.
Richard watched me.
“You see?””
I turned toward him.
“What?””
“You blame me.””
I stepped forward.
“But everyone around you has lied.””
“Because of you.””
Richard shook his head.
“No.””
He pointed at Daniel.
“Because of him.””
Daniel looked angry.
“Don’t.””
Richard smiled.
“You still haven’t told him.””
I looked between them.
“Told me what?””
Daniel looked away.
“James…”
“What?””
Richard answered.
“Your father didn’t leave you.””
Silence.
I stared at Daniel.
“What is he talking about?””
Daniel closed his eyes.
“I was trying to protect you.””
“From what?””
Daniel’s voice broke.
“From the truth.””
I waited.
“My disappearance wasn’t my choice.””
The room became silent.
“Richard forced me away.””
I looked at my grandfather.
Richard didn’t deny it.
“He threatened everyone I loved.””
Daniel continued.
“He told me if I stayed, he would destroy you.””
I felt sick.
“All these years…”
Daniel nodded.
“I watched from a distance.””
“Why didn’t you come back?””
“Because every time I tried, something happened.””
My anger faded into something else.
Pain.
Then Richard spoke.
“And that is why Sarah made her choice.””
I turned.
“What choice?””
Richard walked toward a locked cabinet.
He opened it.
Inside was a recording device.
“Sarah knew she couldn’t defeat me.””
He pressed a button.
A voice filled the room.
Sarah.
My heart stopped.
“James, if you’re hearing this, I’m gone.””
I grabbed the table.
Her voice continued.
“I need you to know something. Richard is dangerous. But he is not the only danger.””
I looked at Daniel.
Sarah continued:
“There is someone inside our family helping him.””
My blood ran cold.
The recording stopped.
Richard smiled.
“Now you understand.””
“No.””
I shook my head.
“You’re trying to confuse me.””
“Am I?””
Suddenly, the front door opened.
Everyone turned.
Vanessa stood there.
Her face was pale.
And she was holding something.
A gun.
My heart stopped.
“Vanessa?””
She looked at Richard.
May you like
Then at me.
“I’m sorry.””
