Chapter 21: The Aftermath

The aftermath was a blur, the police taking statements, the paramedics tending to wounds. Lia's gaze met Liam's, a mix of relief and exhaustion. "It's over."

Liam's smile was a gentle, his eyes circling at the corners. "We did it, Lia."

The police chief approached, his expression somber. "Lia, we'll need you to come down to the station, clarify some things."

Lia nodded, her voice firm. "I'll do it."

As they left the bar, the city was alive, the sun rising over the skyscrapers. Lia's phone buzzed, her dad's message flashing on the screen. "Lia, meet me. Now."

Lia's heart skipped a beat, her gaze meeting Liam's. "My dad wants to see me."

Liam's expression was serious, his voice low. "I'll go with you."

The drive was tense, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Lia's mind was racing, her heart pounding. What did her dad want?

They arrived at the hospital, Lia's dad waiting in a private room. His expression was somber, his eyes searching hers. "Lia, I'm sorry."

Lia's gaze was steady, her voice firm. "What for, Dad?"

Her dad's voice cracked, his shoulders sagging. "For everything. For not being there."

The room was silent, the tension palpable. Lia's heart ached, her voice soft. "Dad..."

Her dad's gaze met hers, a mix of regret and love. "I’m proud of you, Lia. You’re strong."

The moment was bittersweet, the past lingering. Lia's voice was barely above a whisper. "I love you, Dad."

The city outside was alive, a new chapter unfolding. Lia's heart was healing, her future uncertain.

…

Lia's dad's words hung in the air, a weight lifting off her shoulders. "I’m proud of you, Lia."

Lia's gaze was steady, her voice firm. "Dad, what really happened? With the company, with everything?"

Her dad's expression was somber, his eyes clouding over. "It started with Robert, Lia. He manipulated me, used my trust against me. I didn’t see it until it was too late."

Liam's voice was low, his gaze intent. "What about Merida?"

Lia's dad's voice was heavy with regret. "Merida was part of it, Lia. She played both sides, used her connections to dig deeper. I didn’t know..."

The room was silent, the shadows dancing on the walls. Lia's mind was racing, pieces falling into place. "Why, Dad? Why didn’t you tell me?"

Her dad's gaze met hers, a mix of shame and love. "I was ashamed, Lia. I didn’t want to hurt you."

Lia's heart ached, her voice soft. "You should’ve trusted me, Dad."

The air was thick with unspoken emotions, the past lingering. Lia's phone buzzed, breaking the tension. A message from an unknown number: "Meet me at the old warehouse. Alone."

Lia's gaze narrowed, her voice firm. "It’s not over."

Liam's eyes locked onto hers, a silent understanding passing between them. "I’m coming with you."

The city was alive, the night swirling with secrets. Lia's heart was racing, her mind clear. What was the final play?

…

Lia's eyes locked onto Merida's, a mix of shock and fury swirling within her. "You’re lying. My dad would’ve told me."

Merida's smile was a cruel, calculated curve, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "Would he? Really, Lia? He kept secrets, didn’t he?"

The warehouse was a cold, dark cavern, the shadows dancing on the walls. Lia's mind was racing, her heart pounding in her chest. What if it was true? What if her dad had kept this massive secret?

Lia's voice was firm, her gaze steady. "Prove it."

Merida laughed, a low, throaty sound. "Oh, I have proof. Documents, recordings...your dad’s handwriting, his signature. It’s all here, Lia."

Lia's heart was a drumbeat, her mind spinning. She needed to think, to process. But Merida wasn't done.

"And there’s more, Lia. You see, Liam...he’s not who you think he is either."

Lia's gaze snapped to Merida, a spark of anger igniting. "What about Liam?"

Merida's smile was a slow burn. "Liam’s working for me, Lia. He’s been playing you all along."

The room seemed to tilt, Lia's grip on reality slipping. No, that couldn’t be true. Liam cared about her...didn’t he?

Lia's voice was a whip crack, her eyes blazing. "You’re lying. Liam would never—"

Merida's laughter cut her off, a cold, cruel sound. "Wouldn’t he? Check his phone, Lia. Check his messages."

Lia's heart was racing, her mind spinning. She needed to get out, to think. She turned to leave, but Merida's voice stopped her.

"You’re not going anywhere, Lia. Not until you hear the truth."

The shadows closed in, the air thick with tension. Lia's heart was pounding, her mind clear. She was ready to fight.