Chapter 4 - The Ugly Truth
The revelation hit me like a physical blow to the chest.
For eight years, I had sacrificed my own life, my weekends, and my peace of mind to keep this construction company afloat.
I had missed Noah's school plays and canceled anniversary dinners with Eric just to balance my father's ledgers.
All while my father was actively hiding the fact that my mother had practically mortgaged our entire future to bail out my irresponsible sister.
"You lied to me," I said, my voice completely flat and devoid of emotion.
Dad looked down at his blood-stained shirt.
"I was trying to protect the family name," he muttered weakly.
"No," I corrected him, stepping away from the sofa.
"You were trying to protect Madison from facing the consequences of her own disastrous choices."
Eric put a comforting hand on my shoulder, sensing the rage building inside me.
"We need to call the police right now," Eric said, pulling his phone from his pocket.
"No!" Dad yelled, suddenly panicking and trying to stand up.
"If you call the cops, Chase swore he would kill Madison."
I stared at the man who had gladly given my Thanksgiving seat to a violent criminal just hours earlier.
"He took her with him?" I asked.
"She went willingly at first," Dad explained, wiping blood from his eye.
"She thought they were just leaving the dinner to avoid the argument, but when they came back here to rob the safe, she realized he was using her."
"She tried to stop him from hitting me, but he locked her in the trunk of his car."
My mind raced as I processed the timeline of the chaotic evening.
Chase now had the original deed to a multi-million dollar construction company, a forged loan guarantee, and my sister as a hostage.
Suddenly, my cell phone vibrated in my coat pocket.
I pulled it out and looked at the glowing caller ID.
It was Madison's number.
I answered it and put it on speakerphone so Eric and my father could hear.
"Hello?" I said, keeping my voice as steady as possible.
May you like
A deep, chilling laugh echoed through the speaker.
"Your sister is very uncomfortable in the dark, Sarah," Chase's voice sneered.
