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“Yeah, he was angry because he lost four containers of one shipment,” Bianca confirms, her voice shaky.

I glance at Clyde, who nods slowly, the realization dawning on all of us. “I will head out and look into it,” he says, his tone serious.

“I’ll go with you,” Rhett offers, his expression shifting to one of determination. “I can help you look at shipment logs.”

Maverick interjects, “Maybe we should leave it to the authorities to handle.”

“We are the authorities,” Clyde snaps back, his voice firm. “If Jefferson is behind this, it’s up to us to deal with him.”

With tensions rising, this situation is spiraling out of control. We stand in the shadow of something far more sinister than just a washed-up container. I can feel it in my bones.

Chapter 12

• Aubrey •

I spend the day wrestling with the burden of my secrets, the truth of my identity weighing me down. Should I tell him? I imagine the moment I finally confess—Soren’s face lighting up with understanding, or perhaps darkening with betrayal.

The possibilities spiral in my mind, each scenario more daunting than the last. Confessing could bring us closer, allowing Soren to finally understand my actions and the choices I’ve made.

However, there’s also the risk it could fracture the trust we’ve built, leaving him feeling deceived and unsure of our future. The uncertainty of his reaction keeps me in this limbo, unsure whether revealing my true self will lead to acceptance or rejection.

Later that afternoon, as the sun dips below the horizon, I hear footsteps approaching. Turning, I see Soren entering the courtyard, his expression weary. Summoning my courage, I make my way over to him. “Finally, you’re home. Where have you been?”

“In the city dealing with the human council, and a shipping container that washed ashore,” he tells me, looking tired.

“Okay, I need to talk to you about something important,” I begin, my voice steady but my heart pounding. Just then, Vanessa rushes over, her face flushed with urgency.

“Soren, I’m sorry to interrupt, there’s been a breach on the patrols today. Gregor needs to speak with you immediately,” she informs us breathlessly. Soren glances at me, regret etched in his features.

“I have to handle this, Bree. I promise we’ll talk right after,” he assures me before hurrying off with Vanessa. I watch him go, my confession once again delayed by everyone else’s demands.

Hours slip by and Soren hasn’t returned. I’m once again tucking Max into bed alone, reading him a story as I find comfort in his innocent laughter. Once Max is safely tucked into bed and asleep, I head back to our room and decide to turn my phone back on. The screen lights up with missed calls from my mother. A wave of anxiety hits as I dial her number. “Mom?” I say, my voice trembling.

“Bree,” she answers. It feels strange to hear her voice after so long.

“Yes, it’s me, is everything alright?”

She immediately bursts into tears.

“Mom?”

“Your father is in the hospital.” My heart sinks as memories flood back of our last argument, the harsh words exchanged in anger. I remember the look in his eyes, a mix of disappointment and frustration, the way he turned away without another word. Regret gnaws at me now, wishing I had reached out. If only I had listened when they told me not to go with Rhett.

“Is he alright?” I ask, swallowing down the guilt as she continues to sob softly into the phone. She hiccups, and panic surges within me.

“They aren’t sure if he will make it, Aubrey. You need to come home.”

“What happened?”

“He collapsed at work. The doctors are doing everything possible… it doesn’t look good, though. They said he had a heart attack.” I’m torn, a mix of urgency and dread swirling inside me. Despite everything that’s happened, I know I need to be there to face whatever awaits, I know if he died and I remained, I would struggle to live with the guilt.

“Are you there?” Mom asks.

“I’ll pack a bag and head out tonight,” I promise, my voice steadying. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, Mom.”

I quickly start packing a bag as Soren walks in.

“Bree, what’s going on?” he asks, noticing my frantic movements.