After the dinner party, the streets of Greystone returned to calm, leaving only the streetlights flickering alone in the night. Alison walked home alone, her heels tapping on the stone pavement. Her mind kept replaying the conversation with Jackson, trying to find the flaws in his every word and expression.
Suddenly, a black sedan pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Ethan's face. His expression was serious, and there was a hint of urgency in his gaze.
"Get in the car," he said briefly, a tone in his voice that could not be denied.
Allison hesitated for a moment, but finally opened the door and got in. The light, woodsy scent that permeated the car was reassuring, but it didn't calm her nerves.
"Where are you taking me?" she asked. she asked, a hint of caution in her voice.
Ethan didn't answer, just focused on the car. The car traveled through the streets of the town and finally came to a stop at a remote spot by the river. It was far from the center of town, and there were only a few street lamps lit alone in the darkness, the river glowing faintly in the moonlight.
Ethan turned off the engine and turned to Alison, his gaze filled with mixed emotions. "We need to talk."
Allison sneered, a hint of impatience in her voice. "If you're trying to talk me out of it, then don't waste your time."
Ethan took a deep breath, his voice low and firm. "Allison, I know you hate Jackson, and I know you think he had something to do with Sarah's death. But has it ever occurred to you that it might be more complicated than you realize?"
Allison stared at him, suspicion in her eyes. "More complicated? Ethan, Sarah's dead. It's not a game, it's not a puzzle. It's reality, and reality is often simple - someone killed her, and that someone was Jackson."
Ethan shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "You're only scratching the surface, Allison. Jackson ... is not who you think he is. His family carries too many secrets that could put you in danger."
Allison sneered, sarcasm in her voice. "Danger? Ethan, do you think I'm afraid? I have nothing left to lose."
A flicker of pain passed through Ethan's eyes, but he didn't flinch. "you don't understand, allison. The Jacksons have a lot of power in this town, and they can easily make someone disappear. If you keep pursuing this, you could be the next one to disappear."
Allison was silent for a moment, her eyes turning to the river outside the window. The moonlight spilled over the water like countless broken mirrors, reflecting the struggle within her. She knew Ethan's words weren't empty, but she couldn't give up. Sarah's death was a thorn in her side, and the only way she could be free of it was to reveal the truth.
"Ethan," she whispered, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "I know you're doing this for my own good, but I can't stop. Sarah is my sister, and I have to get justice for her."
Ethan sighed, his voice filled with a sense of powerlessness. "If you're going to do this, at least let me help you. I don't want to see you face this alone."
Allison turned her head and looked him in the eye. "Why? Why are you helping me? Jackson is your friend, isn't he?"
Ethan was silent for a moment, a complex of emotions flashing through his gaze. "He's my friend, but you're ... you're someone I care about. I don't want to see you get hurt."
Allison's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly suppressed the turmoil in her mind. "Ethan, I don't need your protection. This revenge is my choice and I will bear all the consequences."
Ethan looked at her, his eyes filled with struggle and helplessness. "Alison, you're too stubborn. Sometimes, letting go of hatred is the only way to find true answers."
Allison sneered, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Let go of the hate? Ethan, do you think this is a game that can be easily ended? Sarah's death took away the last thing I had to rely on, and I have to get justice for her."
Ethan didn't say another word, just looked at her silently, his eyes filled with pity and pain. He knew he couldn't change her decision, but he couldn't stand by and watch her go to ruin.
"All right," he finally said, a note of helplessness in his voice. "If you insist on doing this, at least let me be there for you. I don't want to see you face this alone."
Allison didn't respond, just turned her head and looked out the window. The moonlight fell on her face, reflecting the firmness and determination in her eyes. She knew that this road to revenge was fraught with danger, but there was no turning back.
"Thank you, Ethan," she whispered, a hint of complexity in her voice. "But this is my fight alone."
Ethan didn't say another word, just silently started the car and drove her home. He knew that the flames of revenge had already been lit, and he could only stand by and watch over her until the end.