♣ CHAPTER 19 ♣
Kate stared at the message on her phone again. Her hands trembled slightly.
Tina leaned closer. "Kate, show me."
Kate handed it to her.
Tina read it, then looked up slowly. "This… this is a threat."
Kate nodded. "I know."
"They're watching you. This is real."
"I'm scared, Tina. But I can't give up. Not now."
Tina placed the phone on the table. "Listen to me. You're not alone in this,I'm here, And you have William too."
Kate scoffed. "William? He hides things. He shuts me out."
"But he told you something, didn't he? A part of his past?"
"Yes, but it's not enough."
"He's trying his best,Kate. Maybe not in your way, but I see it. The way he looks at you. The way he protects you."
Kate looked down. "Then why won't he trust me with the whole truth?"
"Because maybe the truth will destroy you."
Kate was silent.
Tina continued, "You need to stop fighting him, Kate. Let him in. Let him help."
"I don't want to depend on him."
"It's not weakness. It's smart. Use every weapon you have. And William… he's a powerful one."
Just then, Kate's office door opened. William stood at the door.
"Can we talk?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her.
Tina gave Kate a "WAIT FOR ME OUTSIDE" look, then stood. "I'll wait outside."
Once Tina left, William stepped closer.
"You look pale," he said.
Kate held up her phone. "I got this today."
He read the message,His jaw tightened.
"I'll find out who sent it."
"You already know this, don't you?"
He didn't answer.
Kate stood. "Tell me, William. What do you know?"
He looked away. "There are things about your family, Kate. Things you're not ready to hear."
"Try me."
"If you keep digging deep, you'll get hurt."
"I'm already hurting and bleeding."
He stepped closer. "Not like that."
"Why are you protecting them?"
"I'm protecting you."
"I don't want protection. I want answers."
He looked straight into her eyes. "Your parents weren't saints, Kate."
"What does that mean?"
"It means they were involved in something Dangerous And people got killed because of it."
She stepped back. "No. I don't believe you."
"You don't have to. But stay out of it."
"I can't."
William moved closer, his voice low. "I've kept you alive this long. Don't make it harder."
Her throat tightened. "So that's it? Silence and secrets?"
"Sometimes silence is mercy."
He turned and left.
Kate stood frozen with her heart pounding.
Kate dropped her phone on the desk and folded her temples. Her chest was heavy, like a weight pressing her from the inside. Everything was rolling too fast.
A soft knock came.
Before she could answer, Tina walked back in.
"I didn't go far," Tina said. "I was listening."
Kate looked up slowly. "I don't even know what to believe anymore."
"You believe what's in your heart," Tina replied, sitting across from her. "And right now, your heart is exhausted."
Kate gave a tired laugh. "I feel like I'm drowning, Tina. William says my parents weren't saints. That they were involved in something dangerous,And then he walks away like it's nothing."
Tina leaned forward. "He's hiding more. That's clear, But Kate, don't forget… This man married you. He didn't have to,And despite everything, he's still protecting you."
Kate shook her head. "What if he's protecting his secrets, and not me?"
"Then dig deeper," Tina said firmly. "But don't dig alone."
Kate stared at her. "I'm not sure I can trust him."
"You trust me, don't you?"
"With everything."
"Then listen to me. I've been thinking. We need help. Real help,Not bodyguards,Not lawyers."
"Help from where?"
Tina smiled slightly. "There's someone I've kept in touch with. Jeremy. Remember him?"
"Jeremy?"
"The guy who used to fix the school computers, Quiet,Tall and Always wearing glasses."
Kate blinked. "I remember he used to sit alone during lunch."
"Yeah. He's not quiet anymore," Tina said. "He's built something for himself. A Tech security, data mining, hacking… all of it. He does freelance work now. For private clients."
Kate narrowed her eyes. "You think he'll help me?"
"I already sent him a message. Told him what's going on—well, parts of it. He said he's willing to meet you."
Kate hesitated. "Tina… are you sure we can trust him?"
"He was in love with you in high school," Tina said, shrugging. "That's something."
Kate rolled her eyes. "Oh please."
"I'm serious. He was obsessed. Maybe now he'll channel that into something useful."
A small smile appeared on Kate's lips. "Where can I meet him?"
"There's a quiet café downtown. He said he'd be there tomorrow at noon. He's using the name Jax for now."
Kate nodded slowly. "I'll go."
"Good," Tina stood. "But promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't let William scare you off your path. He has his reasons, but you deserve the truth."
"I don't know if I can face the truth."
"You've already come this far. There is No going back now."
Just then, the door flew open. William stood at the entrance. His eyes were sharp, and unreadable.
"We need to talk… Alone."
Tina gave Kate a quick look, then slipped out.
William closed the door behind him.
"What do you want now?" Kate asked.
"I saw the files you tried to send to the board," he said coldly. "They were fake."
Kate stood up. "I didn't know that."
"Didn't you?" he asked, stepping closer. "Because someone accessed your office last night."
"My uncle," she muttered. "He sent someone to Switched the files."
William nodded. "He's testing how far you'll go. You think this is a game, Kate?"
"I'm trying to save what's left of my parents' company," she snapped. "The one they built. The one your lawyers and your rules are choking."
"My rules are the only reason you still have a company."
"I don't need your protection."
"Yes, you do."
"No, I need the truth!" she shouted.
William's voice dropped. "The truth will break you."
Kate looked into his eyes. "Maybe I need to be broken."
He stared at her.
"Say something," she whispered. "Tell me what I'm fighting against."
William turned away, pacing slowly.
"Your parents… they were into more than business. There were accounts—secret ones. Shell companies. Hidden transactions. Offshore deals."
"Illegal?" Kate asked.
"Dangerous," William replied. "And some of those deals went wrong."
"Are you saying they were criminals?"
"I'm saying they were desperate. People don't always do clean things to protect what's theirs."
Kate's voice cracked. "They were my parents."
"I know."
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"Because once you know, there's no turning back."
"I don't care," she said. "I want to know everything."
William paused. "Your uncle… he was involved too. But he played smarter. Cleaner,And when things started falling apart, he made sure your parents took the fall."
Kate felt her knees weaken. "He set them up?"
William didn't answer.
"Tell me!"
"I don't have proof. Just patterns and Records, But enough to know your parents didn't die by chance."
Her chest burned. "Then help me… Help me find the truth."
William looked at her quietly. Then, he nodded once. "Fine. But from now on, you won't go anywhere alone."
"Are you giving me orders now?"
"I'm keeping you alive."
She looked away. "Someone else is helping me too."
William raised a brow. "Who?"
"Someone who knows how to dig deep. Tina's friend."
William's tone darkened. "You're involving outsiders?"
"He's trustworthy."
"No one is trustworthy in this game."
"You're not my only lifeline, William."
He stepped close. "Just be careful who you trust. You don't know who's watching."
"I don't care," she said. "I'm done being afraid."
He stared at her, then said quietly, "You're stronger than you think, Kate, But strength won't stop a bullet."
She didn't flinch. "Then you better keep me covered."