Chapter 9: The Truth My Father Hid

Dad.

The single word left me unable to breathe.

For years, I had believed my father was the quietest and kindest person in our family. Even when our company began struggling, he had always appeared calm and reassuring.

But now Carter was telling us that my own father had ordered everything.

Aaron immediately turned toward James.

Is that true?

James looked at me, his face filled with exhaustion.

I wanted to tell you.

My heart sank.

Tell me what?

James lowered his head.

Dad was the one who arranged the original investments. He introduced Carter to the company and personally approved every major transfer.

I stared at him in disbelief.

Then why didn't you stop him?

Because I didn't know the whole truth.

James took a shaky breath.

I only discovered it after the company started collapsing. By then, Carter had already threatened Daniel and Mom.

My sister-in-law stepped forward weakly.

Your father threatened us too.

I turned toward her.

What did he want?

He wanted control of everything.

Aaron's expression hardened.

Where is your father now?

James shook his head.

I don't know.

Carter suddenly laughed.

Of course you don't. He disappeared the moment he realized the police were getting close.

Aaron looked at the officers.

Search every property connected to the Bowden family. Check private airports, storage facilities, and every account associated with Carter.

The officers moved immediately.

I stood beside Daniel, still trying to process everything.

All this time, I had thought I was the one destroying my family.

But someone had designed the entire situation so that I would become the villain.

The fake university scheme.

The stolen money.

My sister-in-law's disappearance.

My brother's bankruptcy.

Every disaster had been carefully arranged.

And I had unknowingly played my part perfectly.

Daniel suddenly grabbed my hand.

Auntie.

I looked down at him.

You didn't really hate us, did you?

My throat tightened.

No.

Then why did you pretend?

I couldn't answer immediately.

Because I was afraid that if I told you the truth, they would hurt you.

Daniel's eyes filled with tears.

You should have trusted us.

I smiled sadly.

I know.

Aaron approached us.

We need to leave. This place isn't safe yet.

We followed the officers outside.

The moment I stepped into the cold night air, I felt as though I could finally breathe again.

But then my phone vibrated.

Unknown number.

I answered.

A familiar voice came through.

Claire.

My entire body froze.

Dad?

He laughed softly.

You always were the clever one.

Aaron immediately moved closer.

Where are you?

I ignored him.

Why did you do this?

Because your brother was never supposed to inherit the company.

I frowned.

What are you talking about?

The family business was supposed to pass to you.

My heart stopped.

Me?

Yes.

His voice became colder.

But after your illness, I decided you were too unstable to control. James was easier to manipulate.

I clenched my phone.

So you destroyed your own children?

I gave them exactly what they deserved.

You call this deserving?

I looked at Daniel's bruised face and felt anger rise inside me.

You destroyed Mom's life. You nearly killed Daniel. You ruined James.

Your brother ruined himself.

No.

I spoke through clenched teeth.

You ruined all of us.

There was silence on the line.

Then Dad said something that made my blood run cold.

You still haven't figured out why I wanted you to inherit everything.

Why?

Because the company is worth far less than you think.

I froze.

What does that mean?

It means that when the authorities finish investigating, they won't just find stolen money.

His voice became almost amused.

They'll find billions in hidden liabilities attached to your name.

My face went pale.

You transferred those liabilities to me.

Exactly.

The call ended.

I slowly lowered the phone.

Aaron immediately asked what happened.

I looked at him.

My father didn't want to give me the company.

He wanted to make me responsible for its debts.

Aaron's expression became grim.

Then we need to find those contracts before he disappears completely.

I nodded.

But before we could move, another officer came running toward us.

Detective Ford, we found something at the Bowden estate.

What?

A hidden room beneath the study.

My heart started pounding.

What was inside?

The officer hesitated.

Documents. Hundreds of them.

And there's one more thing.

He handed Aaron a photograph.

I recognized the room immediately.

It was my childhood bedroom.

On the wall behind my old bed was a small hidden camera.

I stared at it in horror.

My father had been watching me for years.

Aaron looked at me.

Claire, whatever happened in your past, I think your father knows far more about your illness than he ever told you.

I felt the ground disappear beneath my feet.

For the first time, I wondered whether my memories were entirely my own.