Chereads / THE COMPLETE ORPHAN / Chapter 21 - Betrayal's Shadow

Chapter 21 - Betrayal's Shadow

We sped through the winding roads, the farmhouse disappearing into the distance. Phoenix's warning echoed in my mind: "Trust no one."

Nova's gaze met mine in the rearview mirror. "Ethan, we need to talk." Her voice was low, urgent.

"What is it?" I asked, my heart racing.

"Rachel," Nova said, her eyes locked on the road ahead. "I don't trust her."

Maya's expression turned guarded. "Nova, we discussed this."

"No," Nova insisted. "We can't ignore the signs. Rachel's been acting strange, keeping secrets."

I thought back to Rachel's cryptic words, her sudden disappearances.

Suddenly, Rachel spoke up, her voice icy. "You're right, Nova. I have been keeping secrets."

The SUV fell silent, tension hanging in the air.

"What secrets?" I demanded, my voice firm.

Rachel's eyes locked onto mine. "Secrets about your parents, Ethan. And the true purpose of the Eclipse Project."