Chapter 5 - Harlan's Dead Father Wasn't Dead—And Lydia Admitted She Had Been Following His Orders to Protect Them BothLydia finally told the truth.
Their father, Victor Voss, had been presumed dead twelve years earlier.
But he had staged his death.
He controlled a hidden network that still operated beneath Detroit's legitimate businesses.
The family empire had been built on fear.
Harlan had tried to leave.
Victor wouldn't let him.
Lydia had stayed loyal to protect him.
Then Belle was born.
Victor became interested.
Because Belle inherited a rare heart condition.
One that doctors believed could be treated with an experimental therapy.
Victor wanted control of the research.
He used Lydia.
He used Mrs. Grant.
He used Keller.
He used even Harlan's own businesses.
The kidnapping was part of the plan.
They needed a witness.
Someone innocent.
Someone nobody would suspect.
Me.
Lydia looked at me.
"I'm sorry."
I shook my head.
"You chose me."
"I didn't."
"Then why did you know about the plan?"
"Because Victor told me."
"And you said nothing."
She cried.
"I was trying to stop it."
"How?"
"By giving Belle the wrong medication."
I stared.
"What?"
"It was supposed to make her sick enough that she could be hospitalized."
"That almost killed her."
"I know."
She looked broken.
"I made the worst mistake of my life."
Harlan was furious.
"You nearly killed my daughter."
"I was trying to save her from Father."
"By poisoning her?"
"I had no choice."
"There is always a choice."
Lydia looked at him.
"You never understood."
"I understand now."
He walked away.
Then Belle woke.
She looked at Lydia.
"Why did you help him?"
Lydia cried.
"Because I was scared."
Belle asked:
"Are you scared now?"
Lydia nodded.
Belle looked at Harlan.
"Then Daddy should protect her."
Harlan stared.
Even after everything, his daughter was trying to save his sister.
He sat beside her.
"We'll figure it out."
The next morning, Victor sent a message.
Bring me the girl.
He meant me.
I stared at Harlan.
"They want me."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because you found too much."
"And Belle?"
"They still need her."
I nodded.
"Then we stop them."
Harlan stared at me.
"You don't have to."
"I know."
"You're not one of us."
"I know."
"Then why stay?"
I looked toward Belle.
"Because she trusted me."
He understood.
And for the first time, something between us changed.
Not romance.
May you like
Not yet.
Trust.
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