Lucy stepped into the kitchen, tense. She opened the envelope slowly, her hands already trembling. As her eyes scanned its contents, her face darkened with fear.
Without hesitation, she pulled a lighter from the nearby drawer. Her hands shook as she flicked it on and held the flame to the papers. The fire curled the edges, reducing them to ash.
She stood frozen, staring into nothingness—until the sharp ring of her phone shattered the silence.
Unknown Caller.
She answered it with a cold, firm tone. "Speak."
A deep voice came through. "I'm coming for her."
Her heart dropped. "What do you mean?"
But the line was already dead.
"Hello? Hello?! Hello!?" she shouted, fury overtaking her as she hurled the phone across the room. It shattered against the wall.
"No… no, not now," she whispered, crumpling to the floor, clutching her hair in frustration. "Not now…"
---
Upstairs, Gabriel stormed into George's study without knocking.
"Dad," he said through gritted teeth.
George didn't flinch. "Boy, you've lost your manners."
"Start talking," Gabriel snapped, ignoring the jab.
George spun in his chair, calm as ever, staring deeply at his son. "You both grew up fast."
"Stop changing the topic. What the hell is going on?"
George leaned back, voice cool and cryptic. "It's not my truth to tell, son. Gemma… she knows more than I do."
Gabriel clenched his fists. "But she won't speak. Not even to me."
George stood slowly. "Don't get involved, Gabriel. This has nothing to do with you."
"She's my twin. I will protect her."
George's voice dropped. "You can't. She's far more capable than you are."
"What does that even mean?"
George said nothing. He turned away.
"At least tell me why you left," Gabriel asked, his voice softer now.
George paused. "It was for everyone's interest."
Gabriel didn't press further. He turned and walked out.
---
As he stepped into the hallway, Lucy stormed up the stairs. Her face was flushed with anger.
"Mom?" Gabriel said, trying to stay calm. "What happened?"
"Nothing," she snapped. "Why were you coming from George's study?"
"Oh… I was asking him questions. But he just kept dodging them. Talking in riddles."
Lucy's eyes narrowed. "Don't you dare try to get involved."
Before Gabriel could respond, she barged into the study and slammed the door behind her.