Chapter 3 A Hidden Past

Ava's entire body tensed as Mr. Carter's words settled in the room like a thick fog. "Because the truth will destroy everything." Ethan clenched his fists at his sides. "Dad, what the hell does that even mean?" Mr. Carter exhaled sharply and turned his back to them, walking over to his desk. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, his movements steady but heavy with hesitation. "You don't want to know," he muttered. Ava took a step forward, her voice firm. "I do want to know. If you won't tell me, I'll find out on my own." Mr. Carter turned, his gaze sharp.

"Be careful what you dig for, Ava." That was it. That was all he was going to say? Ava shook her head, frustration and fear intertwining in her chest. "I lost my family's business when I was a kid. We lost everything. If you had something to do with that, I deserve to know." Mr. Carter stared at her for a long moment before setting his glass down with a soft clink. Then, he spoke. "Ava, your father wasn't the man you think he was." Her breath hitched. "What?" Mr. Carter leaned against the desk, folding his arms. "I didn't ruin your family. He did." Ava's stomach dropped. "That's a lie." "I wish it was," he said. "But your father was involved in a bad business deal. One that could've ruined a lot of people-including my company. I had no choice but to act." "What does that even mean?" Ethan snapped. Mr. Carter sighed. "Your father took out loans using forged documents. He promised investors money he didn't have. He was running out of time before everything collapsed, and when he tried to involve my company in one of his schemes, I exposed him before he could drag us down with him." Ava's head spun. "No. That's not true. My father was an honest man." "I have no reason to lie to you," Mr. Carter said. "You think I wanted to be the bad guy? The truth is, I stopped him before things got worse. He lost everything because he made bad choices, not because of me." Ava's hands trembled. She wanted to scream, to tell him he was wrong. But what if he wasn't? What if her entire life had been built on a lie? Ethan reached for her, but she pulled away, shaking her head. "I can't... I can't do this right now." "Ava, wait-" Ethan started, but she was already heading for the door. She needed space. She needed air. She needed the truth.