Captive

chapter 50

Fractured Truths

The sun hung low, casting a golden glow over the city as Jeff sat motionless in his living room. The soft hum of the news anchor’s voice blended with the pounding in his ears. Words flashed across the screen, bold and merciless.

"Prominent Businesswoman Accused of Human Trafficking Scandal."
"Family Under Investigation – Mrs. Romsaithong  Tied to Illegal Rings."

Jeff’s hands trembled, the remote slipping from his grasp and clattering to the floor. His eyes were glued to the screen, where grainy images of his adoptive mother filled the frame. She was surrounded by reporters, her face a cold mask of defiance as she ignored their barrage of questions.

A tight knot twisted in his stomach. This can’t be real.

“They said she’s been involved for years,” Jeff whispered. “That my entire life with them was built on dirty money, on suffering.”

He stood up abruptly, pacing the room. “Everything they built is crumbling,.”

Jeff’s footsteps echoed against the marble floors of Mile’s office building. The weight of the accusations, the scandal threatening to unravel his life, pressed heavily on his shoulders. His mind spun with the news headlines, each one more damning than the last.

He finally reached Mile’s door, hesitating for a moment before pushing it open. The room was bathed in the cold light of early evening, casting long shadows over the mahogany desk and leather chairs. Mile sat behind the desk, his expression grim, a phone clutched tightly in his hand.

“Jeff,” Mile said, looking up. His eyes were filled with concern, but also a flicker of frustration. “Sit down. We need to talk.”

Jeff lowered himself into the chair opposite Mile, his body rigid, hands clenched tightly in his lap.

“The situation’s worse than I thought,” Mile began, his voice low and measured. “our mother is being accused of involvement in human trafficking. The media is tearing her apart, and the police are swarming our family’s estate.” He paused, his eyes searching Jeff’s face. “This is serious, Jeff. Our family’s reputation is crumbling.”

Jeff swallowed hard, his throat dry. “I know,” he whispered. The walls felt like they were closing in, and his mother’s tear-streaked face haunted his mind.

Mile leaned forward, his gaze piercing. “The worst part? Everyone’s saying Bible’s behind this. That he’s orchestrating the downfall of your family out of revenge.”

Jeff’s head shot up, disbelief and anger flaring in his eyes. “That’s not true,” he snapped, his voice trembling. “Bible wouldn’t do that.”

Mile frowned, leaning back in his chair. “You’re too close to this, Jeff. You’re letting your feelings cloud your judgment. Bible has the resources, the connections, and every reason to go after you and your family.”

“No,” Jeff said firmly, shaking his head. “He wouldn’t do this. He’s not that person.”

Mile’s eyes narrowed. “How can you be so sure?”

Jeff’s jaw tightened. He took a deep breath, steadying his voice. “Because I know him. He’s not focused on destroying me. He’s focused on…” He hesitated, the words bitter on his tongue. “He’s focused on getting us back together.”

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Mile’s eyes widened, disbelief clear on his face. “What did you just say?”

Jeff’s shoulders sagged, his gaze dropping to the floor. “He’s not thinking about revenge. He’s thinking about us. About fixing what broke between us.”