Avery's eyes blazed with fury. "You'll pay for this, Vivian."
Vivian's smile never wavered. "I've waited years for justice."
Liam's face crumpled, tears streaming down. "Why, Dad?"
Kaelyn's heart ached for the shattered family. She guided Liam to the couch.
"Avery, calm down," Kaelyn pleaded.
Avery's glare intensified. "You're defending Vivian?"
"No, Avery," Kaelyn said firmly. "I'm seeking truth."
Vivian's eyes narrowed. "Kaelyn, don't be naive."
Rachel emerged from the shadows, her expression grim.
"Vivian, stop," Rachel warned.
Vivian sneered. "You're too late."
The room erupted into chaos:
Avery screaming accusations
Liam sobbing uncontrollably
Rachel pleading for calm
Vivian standing resolute
Kaelyn's phone rang, shrill in the mayhem.
"Kaelyn Jenkins," she answered.
"Meet me at Reed Global's HQ," a mysterious voice said. "Come alone."
Kaelyn's instincts flared.
"Who is this?" Kaelyn demanded.
Silence.
The line went dead.
Kaelyn's gaze met Rachel's.
"What's happening?" Rachel mouthed.
Kaelyn's eyes locked onto Vivian.
"Who's behind this?" Kaelyn asked aloud.
Vivian's smile faltered.
For an instant, Kaelyn saw fear.
Then, Vivian vanished.
Avery and Liam stared, bewildered.
Rachel pursued Vivian.
Kaelyn followed, determined.
In the shadows, secrets waited.
Would Kaelyn uncover truth?
Or fall prey to deceit?