The room was filled with tension as Lucas, Amelia, and Zara sat across from Lucas's mother, Eleanor. She was an elegant woman, her sharp features softened by age, but her eyes held a deep, guarded pain. Lucas had always known his mother to be composed and graceful, but now, she seemed vulnerable, like a fortress on the verge of collapse.
"Tell me the truth, Mom," Lucas demanded, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and desperation. "What's your connection to Kane? Why does he keep bringing up your name?"
Eleanor took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she placed them on the table. "Lucas, there are things I kept from you to protect you. I hoped you'd never have to know, but I see now that the truth is unavoidable."
Years ago, before Lucas was even born, Eleanor had crossed paths with Kane. Back then, Kane was just starting to build his empire, and Eleanor had been a young, ambitious woman working in finance. She was tasked with managing a high-profile account an account that belonged to none other than Kane himself.
"I didn't know what kind of man he was at first," Eleanor explained, her voice laced with regret. "He was charming, persuasive. He made me believe he was an entrepreneur with big dreams. I helped him secure funding, unknowingly paving the way for his criminal empire."
Lucas stared at her, disbelief etched on his face. "You worked for him?"
"I didn't just work for him," Eleanor admitted, her voice breaking. "I became entangled in his world. By the time I realized who he truly was, it was too late. He had leverage over me financial documents, personal secrets. He used them to manipulate me."
Eleanor revealed that Kane had once threatened to destroy her entire family unless she cooperated. To protect her loved ones, she had made a painful decision she cut ties with Kane and disappeared from his life. However, the cost of her betrayal was high. Kane had sworn revenge, and Eleanor had lived in fear ever since, always watching over her shoulder, always worried that her past would catch up with her children.
"I thought I could bury it all," Eleanor said, tears streaming down her face. "But Kane never lets go. When your father died, I knew he would come for me eventually. And now, he's using you to get to me."
Lucas clenched his fists, anger boiling inside him. "So this was all about you? Kane is targeting me because of something you did?"
"No, Lucas," Eleanor said firmly, her eyes locking onto his. "He's targeting you because you're my son. And because he knows you're strong enough to stand against him."
The revelation left the room in silence. Amelia placed a comforting hand on Lucas's arm, but he barely noticed. His mind was racing, piecing together the implications of his mother's secret. Every move Kane had made, every threat, suddenly made sense.
"So, what do we do now?" Zara asked cautiously, breaking the silence.
Eleanor straightened her posture, a spark of determination returning to her eyes. "We fight. Kane is a man who thrives on fear and control. The only way to defeat him is to expose him, to take away the power he wields over others."
Lucas looked at his mother, his emotions a whirlwind of anger, betrayal, and admiration. Despite everything, he couldn't deny her bravery. She had carried this burden alone for so long, all in the name of protecting him and his siblings.
As they discussed their next steps, Eleanor revealed another crucial detail she had kept a file hidden away, containing evidence of Kane's illegal dealings. It was a piece of insurance she had held onto for years, just in case she ever needed to strike back.
"It's in a safe," Eleanor said. "At our old family estate."
Lucas's heart sank. The estate had been abandoned for years after his father's death. Going back there meant dredging up painful memories, but it also meant they might finally have the weapon they needed to bring Kane down.
"We'll get the file," Lucas said firmly. "But you need to stay safe, Mom. Kane will come after you the moment he realizes you're fighting back."
Eleanor nodded reluctantly. "I'll go into hiding. But, Lucas… be careful. Kane isn't just dangerous he's cunning. He'll stop at nothing to protect his empire."
As the group prepared to leave, Zara's phone buzzed with an alert. She glanced at the screen, her eyes widening in alarm. "Lucas, you need to see this."
Lucas took the phone, his heart pounding as he read the message. It was an anonymous tip, accompanied by a photograph. The picture showed the family estate, but something was wrong. The building was surrounded by men armed guards patrolling the property.
"Looks like Kane knows about the file," Zara said grimly.
Lucas clenched his jaw. "We don't have time to waste. If Kane gets to that file before we do, everything is lost."
Eleanor's voice trembled as she spoke. "Lucas, there's something else… something I didn't tell you."
Lucas turned to her, his patience wearing thin. "What now?"
Eleanor hesitated, guilt flashing across her face. "The file doesn't just have evidence against Kane. It has something else—something that could destroy our family if it falls into the wrong hands."
Before Lucas could respond, the sound of a car screeching to a halt outside grabbed everyone's attention. A shadowy figure stepped out, holding a weapon. Zara peeked through the window, her face pale. "We're not alone anymore."
Lucas drawing his weapon, his resolve hardening. "Stay behind me. Whatever happens next, we fight together."