Chapter 12: The Person My Mother Trusted

The figure stepped into the room.

A woman.

Older.

Carrying a small bag.

Her eyes immediately found mine.

And then they filled with tears.

“No way…”

I looked at my father.

He looked shocked.

“Claire?””

The woman smiled sadly.

“You’re still alive.””

My father stared.

“So are you.””

I looked between them.

“Who is she?””

My father didn’t answer.

The woman did.

“My name is Claire Morgan.””

She looked at the necklace.

“I was your mother’s closest friend.””

My heart tightened.

“Why have I never heard of you?””

Claire looked at my father.

“Because he was trying to protect you.””

I sighed.

“Everyone keeps saying that.””

Claire’s expression softened.

“I know.””

She walked closer.

“But your mother didn’t want you protected forever.””

She looked at me.

“She wanted you prepared.””

My grandfather stepped forward.

“How did you find us?””

Claire looked serious.

“Because Ethan isn’t the biggest threat.””

Everyone became quiet.

My father frowned.

“What are you talking about?””

Claire opened her bag.

Inside were documents.

Photos.

Records.

She placed them on the table.

“Ethan is only following orders.””

My father looked at the papers.

“Whose orders?””

Claire looked at me.

“Someone who has been watching you longer than anyone.””

A cold feeling moved through me.

“Who?””

Claire hesitated.

Then said:

“Your mother’s greatest fear.””

She placed one final photograph on the table.

I picked it up.

It showed my mother.

My father.

And another person.

A person standing beside them.

Someone who looked familiar.

I turned the photo over.

There was writing on the back.

My mother’s handwriting.

Three words.

*“Trust no one.””*

I looked at Claire.

“Who is this?””

Her face became pale.

Because she knew.

My father knew.

My grandfather knew.

Only I didn’t.

Claire whispered:

“That is the person who started everything.””

The room went silent.

Then my phone buzzed.

A message.

Unknown number.

But the picture attached made my blood freeze.

It was a live photo.

Taken moments ago.

Of us inside the hidden room.

Someone was watching.

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The message below said:

*You found the truth. Now come find out why your mother betrayed you.*