As the clock ticked towards midnight, I remained crouched in the garden, my heart thundering in my chest. Above me, the stars glimmered with an unsettling calmness, completely oblivious to the storm brewing below. I clung to the shadows, my breath misting in the chilly night air, my mind racing with plans and counterplans.
I had built this empire from the ground up, sacrificing time, sweat, and countless moments with my family. Yet, here was my own flesh and blood conspiring against me, turning what should have been a celebration into betrayal. Stephen had always been ambitious, but I never imagined he would plunge this deep into greed. Amanda, with her penetrating gaze and persuasive demeanor, had clearly wrapped him around her finger.
As I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. Had I been too focused on the business, neglecting the very family for whom I was supposedly building this future? Had I missed the signs of discontent, of the growing manipulations? Shaking off these thoughts, I focused on the task ahead. This was not the time for reflection. It was time to act.
