Seduction In Ink

Chapter 30

Hidden Agendas

Tyler paced the office, his mind racing as he clutched the phone to his ear. The private investigator spoke calmly but urgently. "Sir, it's about Allysa's father. I suspect he knows about your parents' accident."

The words hit Tyler like a wave, stirring a mixture of excitement and unease within him. His parents' death had always been a painful mystery, an unresolved chapter in his life. The chance to finally uncover the truth tugged at him fiercely.

"What evidence do you have?" Tyler asked, his voice tightening with anticipation.

"I've found some key information that could reopen the case," the investigator replied. "We need to meet. Tonight."

Tyler's thoughts spiraled, his grip on the phone tightening as the weight of the revelation settled over him. "I'll text you the details," he said, barely able to contain the flood of emotions.

As the call ended, Tyler stood frozen, his mind swirling with possibilities. His heart pounded with both fear and hope. Was the truth about his parents' accident finally within reach? Yet, the involvement of Allysa's father troubled him deeply. What did this connection mean?

The sound of soft footsteps behind him pulled Tyler from his thoughts. Isabela's gentle voice broke the silence. "Tyler, what's wrong?"

He turned to face her, his expression clouded with frustration and worry. "It's Allysa's dad," he muttered. "He might be involved in what happened to my parents."

Isabela's brow furrowed in concern. "Why would he be? What's his connection to it?"

"I don't know," Tyler replied, his voice tense with uncertainty. "But something about this doesn't sit right with me."

Isabela stepped closer, her eyes full of sympathy. "I understand, Tyler. But we have to be careful. We can't jump to conclusions without evidence."

Tyler nodded, his chest tightening. He knew Isabela was right, but the nagging feeling in his gut refused to let go. "I just can't shake the feeling that there's more to this."

Gently, Isabela reached out and took his hand. The warmth of her touch grounded him, offering a fleeting moment of solace amidst the storm swirling in his mind. With their fingers interlocked, Tyler felt a burst of emotion, confirming their intimacy. Yet, his thoughts were still shadowed by the mystery surrounding Allysa.

"I'll always be here for you," Isabela whispered, her gaze steady and reassuring.

Tyler squeezed her hand, grateful for her unwavering support. But before he could respond, a sharp knock at the door interrupted the moment. Allysa entered the room with an air of defiance, her eyes flickering between Tyler and Isabela.

"We need to talk, Tyler. Alone," she demanded, her voice cool yet insistent.

"No," Tyler replied firmly. "Anything you have to say, you can say in front of Isabela."

Allysa smirked, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "What, Tyler? Are you scared to be alone with me?"

"Hardly," Tyler shot back, crossing his arms. "But I have nothing to hide from Isabela."

"Maybe you don't, but she doesn't trust me," Allysa retorted, her gaze lingering on Isabela.

"It's you she doesn't trust," Tyler countered, his patience wearing thin.

Isabela placed a hand on his arm, giving him a reassuring nod. "It's okay, Tyler. I'll wait outside."

Tyler paused, watching Isabela leave the room, her calmness helpful. The tension between him and Allysa flared after she left.

"So, what is it?" Tyler asked, his tone edged with irritation.

Allysa stepped closer, leaning casually against his desk, her expression unreadable. "I just thought you'd like to know something interesting. About Zek."

Tyler's eyes narrowed. "What about him?"

Allysa's lips curved into a smug smile. "He's in love with Isabela. I've seen his gaze at her without you."

Tyler felt a flicker of unease but quickly tamped it down. "That's ridiculous. Zek and Isabela are just friends."

"Please, Tyler," Allysa scoffed. "I've seen the way he lingers when she enters the room. It's obvious."

Tyler shook his head, his frustration mounting. "You're trying to stir up trouble, Allysa. I'm not falling for it."

Allysa's face darkened, her calm demeanor slipping. "Believe what you want, but don't say I didn't warn you. If you're not cautious, Zek may act on his affections for her."

Tyler's jaw clenched, anger flaring in his chest. "I trust my brother. And I trust Isabela."

"Trust is fragile, Tyler," Allysa muttered, pushing herself off the desk. "Just remember that."

As Allysa's words hung in the air, Tyler's phone rang, cutting through the tension like a knife. He glanced at the screen—it was the private investigator.

"I have to take this," he said, stepping away as he answered the call.

Allysa stood silently, her eyes fixed on him, emotions flickering across her face. She clenched her fists at her sides, her mind racing as Tyler's conversation with the detective unfolded. Something shifted within her, a resolve hardening.

She glanced at Tyler's laptop on the desk.

Moments later, she approached the screen, a name flashing before her eyes—Cassandra Hart.

The discovery sent a shockwave through her, and as she stared at the name, her thoughts spiraled into chaos. What had she just uncovered?