Calvin’s expression was haunted, regret flashing in his eyes. “Because I had to. If your real father ever discovered your identity, he would’ve used you. He would’ve destroyed everything. The only way to protect you was to make sure you never existed in his world.”
His words felt like a crushing weight, suffocating and inescapable. My whole life—every truth I thought I knew—was a lie.
Before I could speak, shouting erupted in the distance. Calvin’s gaze snapped toward the looming mansion up ahead, his face darkening.
We ran. Faster. Deeper into the trees.
After what felt like an eternity, we reached our destination—a massive estate hidden within the thick forest.
Then, a voice.
A single, chilling pause—followed by the sharp, unmistakable crack of gunfire.
“W-We have to get out of here! It’s not safe. H-He killed Dr. Chel—”
I insisted on running closer where I heard gunshots. The mansion loomed ahead, its once-pristine facade now menacing under the moonlight. The front doors were slightly ajar, and the faint sound of voices drifted out. As I crept closer, I recognized one of them—Gabriel.
Calvin pulled me behind a column. “You’re walking into a trap,” he whispered, his voice harsh.
“I don’t care,” I shot back. “If he hurts her—”
“He’s insane, Kelsey. Don’t underestimate him.”
I peeked around the corner, my stomach twisting at the sight. There he was, Gabriel Carson, holding Dr. Chelsea at gunpoint. Her usually composed face was pale, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Gabriel’s laugh echoed through the hall, sharp and unhinged. He waved the gun lazily, taunting her. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you, Chelsea? Playing god with people’s lives. Reconstructing faces, erasing identities.” His gaze flicked to the doorway, as if sensing our presence. I ducked back quickly.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Chelsea spat, her voice steady despite the barrel of the gun against her temple.
“Oh, I know plenty,” Gabriel sneered. “You built your empire on lies, on stolen techniques. Should I remind you how you climbed your way to the top, doctor? Or would you prefer I let your little protégé find out herself?”
My breath hitched.
WHAT WAS HE TALKING ABOUT?
“You’re a coward,” Chelsea said coldly. “Hiding behind threats and manipulation. You think I’ll give you what you want? You’re delusional.”