Shocking Truths

Shocking Truths
\-Quinn-

I sat in my office, leaning back in my chair, thoughts swirling fast over recent events at SCN.

Blake McAllister's bold moves grated on me hard, challenging my decisions, stepping on my authority like no one ever dared before.

Am I losing control? How can a mere consultant question the director of SCN? His confrontations burned, unacceptable, and I knew action was needed quick.

My eyes stayed fixed on my phone, waiting for a call or message to shift the tide, fingers tapping restless on the desk. A knock came sudden on the door, breaking my focus.

"Come in!" I called, voice sharp, unwelcoming look in my eyes. Door opened slow, and Zara stepped in, my daughter's face softening my expression instantly.

"Zara, what brings you here?" I asked, concern lacing my tone, posture easing slight.

She stepped closer, worry clear in her eyes. "Dad, I'm worried about everything here. Since Blake and Sofia arrived, things have changed dramatically," she said, voice heavy with unease.

Her words hit true, but Sofia caused no trouble to me so far, Blake was the thorn, stirring chaos.

"What exactly do you mean?" I asked, feigning ignorance to draw her out.

She sighed, sadness creeping into her gaze. "Dad, it seems you're losing control. No one ever had the nerve to challenge your decisions here, and now Blake does it regularly.

Worst of all, I feel like I don't matter anymore." Her voice carried a hint of hurt, eyes searching mine.

My chest tightened, she was right, but I'd never admit it outright.

"I get what you're talking about, my dear, but understand one thing: your dad has never lost control over SCN, and I won't," I said, reassuring look steady in my eyes.

She needed confidence, and I'd give it. "I'm working on fixing things, but a wise warrior knows his enemies before fighting. Once I'm done with what I'm working on, Blake will be out of SCN," I added, voice firm, promising action.

Her face lit up slight, but she pushed more. "Yes, and not just him. Take Sofia out too. I want to be the only face of SCN," she said, playing daddy's girl, her tone half-pleading, half-demanding.

I chuckled soft. "Hmm. Okay, but I thought Matilda was at the top of your list for people to get rid of?" My question came light, teasing.

She grinned sly. "Yeah, she used to be, but now I enjoy having her around, just to get on her nerves." Her words carried a playful edge, but I saw the venom beneath.

That's my girl, sharp, ruthless when needed. We kept chatting light, her laughter easing my tension, when my phone beeped sudden, the message I'd been waiting for.

Grabbed it quick, eyes scanning fast, but what I read froze me cold. Couldn't believe it, shock hit hard, hands trembling slight.

Masked my face instant, forcing a bright smile. "Zara, love, Daddy needs to get some work done. Let's talk later," I said, voice steady despite the storm inside.

She nodded, smiling warm, and exited quick, door clicking shut behind her. Alone now, I dialed the number who sent the message, needing to confirm what shook me.

"Hello, I got your message about Blake McAllister. Are you sure about that information?" I asked, curiosity and anxiety burning in my voice, eyes wide.

"Yes, boss, I'm one hundred percent sure. Check the images I sent you," he replied, confidence clear. Call ended fast, and I opened the images, hands shaking harder now.

Each one hit like a punch, proof beyond what I ever imagined. Fear crept in, cold and real.

Blake wasn't just a consultant causing trouble. He was something else entirely, something dangerous.

My breath caught, mind racing to process it all. What was he really? Needed to act fast, but how? Talk to him? No, I can't do that now. Gather more first, build a case tight.

Zara's worries, my control slipping, Blake was the key, and I'd underestimated him bad.

His bold moves weren't just arrogance; they hid something bigger, darker. Why now, this reveal? Timing too perfect, right when I planned to push him out.

Does someone wants me to see this, but who? Blake himself ? Or someone deeper, pulling strings I couldn't yet see? Needed to tighten my grip, stay relevant in SCN, protect Zara.

"McAllister is beyond what I believed he could ever be!" I whispered to myself in fear, as my hands were still trembling.

★★★

\-Blake-

I sat in the secluded cell, cut off from everyone except the police watching me close, their eyes sharp but no match for my strength.

I could snap their necks easy, escape in a blink, but that's not me, running would only bury me deeper. Why play their game?

Patience kept my name clean, my moves sharp. An officer approached slow, boots echoing loud. "McAllister, you have a visitor," he said, voice flat.

Anxiety hit quick, heart lifting at the thought of Matilda's face, her scent calming my storm. Followed him fast, cuffs clinking soft, steps eager to the visitor area.

But when I stepped out, disappointment crashed hard, Sofia, not Matilda, stood there, her face painted with worry. Fake.

"Blake, what have they done to you? Why do you have to still handcuff him?" she asked, voice dripping concern, eyes wide.

Never trust her, no matter how real she seemed. Her worry rang hollow, a mask too thin. I sat down calm, glass with a small hole between us, my gaze steady.

"Blake, how are you doing?" she asked, concern lacing her eyes, but I saw through it.

"I'm doing better than I thought," I replied, playing along, voice cool, testing her.

She leaned closer. "Have they shown you the evidence they say they have against you?" Her question came quick, too eager.

She's fishing. Sensed it instantly, here to pull information, not give help. "I don't need to see it," I said, ice-cold look locking her eyes, giving nothing away.

Her face twitched, agitation clear. "What? How can you say that? Why won't you need to see it?" she pressed, voice rising.

Faint smile curled my lips, staying silent, face unreadable. Silence unnerved her best, and I leaned into it, watching her squirm.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Blake, I'm here to help, but I need you to talk to me," she said, desperation creeping in.

Time to strike. "How do you intend helping me, by playing the hero over what you started?" I asked, stern gaze piercing hers.

Shock flashed across her face, quick to mask it. "Blake, what are you talking about?" she said, feigning ignorance, voice shaking slightly.

I knew I had hit a nerve. "Sofia, you and your dad know I'm ten steps ahead of you. Why don't you quit this drama and leave already?" My voice stayed firm, eyes hard, no room for her games.

Her mouth opened, but I stood up quick, turning to the officer. "Please take me to my cell."