Undercover Vengeance and Hidden Lies

part 13

*same night at secret Mansion*
*Kate's POV*

The hours ticked by slowly in the room, each minute feeling like an eternity. After that man's outburst, I had curled up on the bed, trying to muffle my sobs. The room’s comfort did nothing to ease my emotional pain. Every sound, every creak of the floor, made me flinch, my mind racing with fear and confusion.

My thoughts were a chaotic mess. Why was I being punished? What had I done to deserve this? The only thing I knew for sure was that, his anger seemed misplaced. I hadn’t done anything to provoke such hostility—at least, nothing that would justify this cruelty.

The thought of my father—my abuser—was a bitter reminder of my helplessness. I had endured his punishment, but this was different. This was a more visceral kind of fear, one that seemed to strip away any semblance of control or safety. I just wanted to understand why he had targeted me, and more than that, I wanted to find a way out of this nightmare.

*end of Kate's POV*

*Later in the Room*

The door to Kate's room creaked open, and Matthew walked in. His face was a mask of strained composure, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his inner conflict. He had thought the confrontation would ease his frustration, but it had only intensified it.

Kate looked up, her eyes red from crying. She recoiled slightly as he entered, her body language a mix of fear and resignation.

Matthew: I--

Matthew began, his voice softer than before.

Matthew: I didn’t come here to cause you more pain. I need to understand why this is affecting me so much.

Kate's eyes were wide with a mix of hope and fear.

Kate: Why are you doing this? What do you want from me?

Matthew took a deep breath, his anger momentarily giving way to a troubled introspection.

Matthew: I wanted to make your father suffer for his sins. I thought keeping you here would be a way to achieve that. But it’s not working like I planned.

He moved closer, but his steps were measured now, as if he was trying to control the tumult within him.

Matthew: Seeing you like this--it’s messing with my head. I thought I was doing the right thing, but now I’m not so sure.

Kate's  fear was evident, but she spoke with a quiet resolve.

Kate: Please, just let me go. I don’t know what’s happening, but I know I don’t deserve this.

Matthew's hand trembled slightly as he reached out to touch her arm.

Matthew: I-- * he started, his voice cracking* 
I don’t want to hurt you anymore. I never intended for this to be so painful.

For a moment, their eyes locked, and something unspoken passed between them. Matthew's anger was still present, but it was mingled with a growing sense of guilt and confusion. He pulled back, his face a mixture of frustration and sorrow.

Matthew: I need time to think  *he said finally, his voice low*  This isn’t supposed to be happening. Yo--

Before he could finish, the door to the room burst open with a loud bang, and Matthew's assistant, Moris, hurried in. His face was a mask of concern.

Moris: Sir, we need to talk. This situation is escalating, and it’s affecting our operations. We’re facing severe losses, and--

Matthew cut him off, his temper flaring again.