Emily's father, James Wilson, walked into the room, his presence commanding attention.
"Emily, darling," James said, his voice smooth. "I see you're getting acquainted with Alex."
Emily's eyes narrowed. "Dad, what's going on?"
James smiled. "Just discussing business, sweetie."
Alex's instincts screamed warning. Something was off.
"James, I think it's time we told Emily the truth," Alex said.
James's expression turned cold. "What truth, Alex?"
Alex took a deep breath. "About the merger. And our families' history."
Emily's eyes locked onto Alex. "What history?"
Alex's voice barely above a whisper. "Our families have been rivals for years."
Emily's face paled. "What do you mean?"
James interrupted, his voice dripping with malice. "Alex, don't ruin the surprise."
The room seemed to shrink.
Suddenly, Emily's phone rang.
"Hello?" Emily answered.
Her eyes widened.
"Alex, it's Jack. My ex-fiancé."
Alex's jaw clenched.
"Emily, listen," Jack said over the phone. "I know what's going on."
Emily's voice trembled. "What are you talking about?"
Jack's laughter sent chills down Alex's spine.
"Emily, you're not who you think you are."
The room went silent.
Emily's eyes locked onto Alex.
"What does he mean?" Emily whispered.
Alex's world tilted.
And then, the unthinkable happened.
James Wilson's face contorted into a snarl.
"Emily, you're not my daughter."
The room imploded.
Emily's world shattered.
"Not my daughter?" Emily repeated, her voice barely audible.
James Wilson's expression softened.
"Emily, I'm sorry. You were adopted.
Your real parents...they were involved in a scandal.
A scandal that ruined our family's reputation."
Alex's eyes widened.
"What scandal?" Alex demanded.
James hesitated.
"Your families' rivalry...it's deeper than you think.
Emily's real parents...they were murdered.
By my business partner...Reginald Grey."
Alex's face paled.
"My father?" Alex whispered.
James nodded.
"Yes, Alex. Your father ordered the hit."
The room imploded.
Emily stumbled backward, her eyes locked on Alex.
"Is it true?" Emily asked.
Alex's voice trembled.
"I don't know...but I'll find out."
As Alex stormed out, Emily collapsed.
Her whole life was a lie.
James's voice echoed.
"Emily, I'm sorry...but you're in danger.
Reginald will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden."
Alex stormed into his father's office, fury blazing.
"Father, is it true?" Alex demanded.
Reginald Grey looked up, his expression calm.
"What are you talking about, Alex?"
"The scandal. Emily's parents. The murder."
Reginald's eyes narrowed.
"Who told you this?"
"James Wilson," Alex spat.
Reginald's face turned red.
"James is using Emily to destroy our family."
Alex's anger boiled.
"You're lying. You're hiding something."
Reginald stood, his voice cold.
"I'm protecting our family, Alex. That's all."
Alex's world crumbled.
He didn't know what to believe.
As he left the office, Alex's phone buzzed.
A text from Emily.
"Alex, I need to see you."
Alex's heart skipped a beat.
He rushed to Emily's studio.
"Emily, I'm sorry," Alex said.
Emily's eyes welled with tears.
"I don't know what to believe."
Alex pulled her close.
"We'll uncover the truth together."
But as they hugged, Alex's doubts lingered.
Was he truly on Emily's side?
Or was he still playing his father's game?