Signed in Blood: The Price of Secrets

Pt~13 Heaved all

No One's POV

The conversation had already taken a sharp turn, but when Henry brought up his "spies," LILITH knew she was on the verge of losing her composure. Until now, she had managed to keep her cool despite everything unfolding behind her back. But this? This was pushing it.

"I placed them in the company when you arrived," Henry admitted, his gaze unwavering. "It was Dad's idea. He wanted them involved in the case—after all, they're the sons of some of his old partners' relatives."

Mr. Hawthorne stepped forward, his presence commanding yet strangely gentle as he rested a firm hand on LILITH's shoulder. His voice, though calm, carried the weight of his decisions.

"I had to put you in these forced circumstances to ensure this case is resolved before my death," he said solemnly. "And more than that, I needed it untangled quickly—before you and Henry got dragged into the kind of political, ruthless business that Cross thrives in. No offense, Ronan."

Ronan remained silent, merely nodding as Mr. Hawthorne turned and left the room. A thick silence settled in the space—not awkward, just... heavy.

Henry turned to Ronan, who had been lost in thought for a while. "I know exactly what you're thinking," he murmured. He exhaled sharply before continuing, "My father has orchestrated this entire thing from the very start. He planned everything—sending Axel to Australia to assist you, placing spies in the office, even roping in Creed, Hawthorne, and Cross.

"And you know why? Two reasons. One—he sees himself in you. And two..." Henry leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to a whisper. "It was my mother's wish."

Stepping back, he added, "There's still so much you don't know—things that matter more than you realize. That's why my father was willing to throw his own daughter's already chaotic life into the line of fire. So, let's get this over with before it does any more damage."

LILITH's POV

The hum of the car engine filled the space between Axel and me as we drove home.

Before leaving, I had shaken hands with Ronan. There was an unspoken understanding between us—we were both caught in circumstances beyond our control. But what truly left me speechless was when he unexpectedly pulled me into a brief embrace, his voice a quiet murmur in my ear.

"Thank you. And your family. Truly."

The weight of his words lingered as I focused on the road.

"What Henry said at the end... about us still not knowing the whole truth—can you tell me what he meant?" I asked, my voice measured, my eyes fixed on the passing streets.

Axel sighed, his fingers tapping against his thigh. "LILITH, Henry and I have always had our doubts about this entire scenario—about how Uncle reignited this case after all these years. Personally, I thought it was reckless, unnecessary. Something that would only drag you back into the mess and put others at risk. But..." He hesitated. "So far, every move he's made has played out exactly how he intended. And at this point, I have no choice but to trust his judgment."

His voice turned softer. "Just remember—you're in this for Aunty."

A smirk tugged at my lips as I leaned back in my seat. "I have two suspects in mind," I mused, my tone teasing. "The superior spies."

I barely spared him a glance, but I could feel Axel's posture shift beside me. His silence spoke volumes.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm not telling you now."

Axel forced out a laugh, but I caught the flicker of unease in his expression. And that? That only confirmed I was onto something.