Chapter 17

_Chapter 17: Shadows of the Past_

Axel's face paled. "He's getting out?"

Rachel nodded, her eyes filled with worry. "Next week."

Axel's mind reeled. His father, Victor, had been in prison for years.

"What does this mean?" Emily asked, her voice gentle.

Axel's gaze dropped. "My father's not a good person."

Rachel's voice trembled. "He's changed, Axel. He wants to make amends."

Axel scoffed. "Amends? After everything he's done?"

Memories flooded Axel's mind – his father's violence, his mother's tears.

Emily's hand found Axel's, offering comfort.

"We'll face this together," Emily said.

But Axel knew his father's release would unravel everything.

As they left the studio, Axel's phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:

"Welcome home, Victor. Time to reclaim what's yours."

Axel's heart sank. His father's return would bring destruction.