“Mom?” Leo stammered, his voice filled with disbelief. “You commanded to kill dad?”
“Yes,” Evelyn replied, her tone chillingly calm. “Your father was a liability. He thought he could take control, but he was a fool. I had to make a decision—one that would ensure our safety and solidify our power. He had to go.”
Matthew clenched his fists, stepping forward. “You can’t be serious. You killed him? You’re admitting this?”
Evelyn smiled, her expression almost serene. “I’m not admitting to anything. But it was necessary. Your father was getting ahead of himself, thinking he could manipulate everyone around him. I wasn’t about to let that happen. I have bigger plans, and I won’t let anyone stand in my way.”
Camille felt as if the ground was crumbling beneath her feet. The woman she had trusted, the woman who had acted like a second mother to her, was capable of such darkness. “And you think this is okay?” Camille’s voice trembled with anger. “You think killing someone is justified just because you want power?”
Evelyn turned her gaze on Camille, her eyes narrowing. “You don’t understand, Camille. This world is ruthless. It’s about survival of the fittest. Your father was weak. He didn’t have the vision to see beyond his own greed.”
Camille shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. “This isn’t the answer. You’re just as bad as he is.”
“Enough!” Evelyn snapped, her patience thinning. “You’re not in a position to judge. The reason you’re all here is because you know too much, and you need to go. I can’t have loose ends.”
“No!” Noah shouted, stepping in front of Camille, his expression fierce. “We’re not going anywhere. We won’t let you hurt her or anyone else.”
Evelyn laughed, a cold, hollow sound that echoed in the warehouse. “You think you can stop me? I have everything under control. If you don’t want to end up like your father, I suggest you listen carefully. Your mother may be on my side, but I have no qualms about taking out anyone who gets in my way.”
Camille looked at her mother, desperation etched on her face. “Is this really what you want? To be part of this? To be a killer?”
Her mother’s expression faltered for just a moment, but then hardened again. “I want what’s best for us, Camille. I had to make a choice, and I chose power. You need to understand that.”
“I’ll never understand this,” Camille said, her heart breaking. “You’ve lost sight of everything that matters.”
Evelyn moved closer, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “You don’t get to decide what matters anymore. I’ve laid my cards on the table, and you all need to choose a side. Either you join me, or you face the consequences.”
The tension in the room crackled, and Camille’s heart raced as she looked at the boys, who were watching her with a mix of fear and determination. She knew they wouldn’t abandon her. But how could they possibly fight against Evelyn and her mother?
Suddenly, Camille heard a noise behind her. She turned, and to her horror, she saw a group of men emerging from the shadows—armed, and ready for a fight. Panic surged within her.
“What is this?” Camille shouted, her voice rising in alarm. “Who are they?”
Evelyn’s eyes glinted with satisfaction. “My insurance. I told you—anyone who knows too much needs to be dealt with. But I’m giving you a chance to join me. Don’t waste it.”
“Camille, we can’t trust her!” Matthew yelled, his voice desperate. “We have to get out of here!”
But before Camille could respond, the men stepped forward, surrounding them, their expressions hard and unforgiving.
“Looks like you’ve run out of time,” Evelyn said, her smile chilling as she stepped back, allowing the men to close in.
Camille’s heart raced as she realized the gravity of the situation. With nowhere to run, she felt the weight of her choices crashing down upon her. Would they fight their way out, or would they be forced to comply with Evelyn’s twisted plan?
“Boys, we need to stick together,” she urged, glancing at Noah, Leo, and Matthew, who stood shoulder to shoulder, their resolve unwavering.