Chapter 31: The Hidden Files

Emily's mind was racing as she tried to process the revelation about her father. She felt like her whole world had been turned upside down.

But she knew she couldn't afford to dwell on her emotions. She had to take action.

"Rachel, I want to see the files," Emily said, her voice firm.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. "What files?" she asked.

Emily's eyes locked onto Rachel's. "The files about my father," she said. "I want to know the truth."

Rachel's expression was unreadable, but Emily saw a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.

"Very well," Rachel said finally. "But be warned, Emily. The truth is not always easy to accept."

Rachel led Emily to a small room in the back of the warehouse. The room was filled with rows of filing cabinets, each one labeled with a different name.

Rachel walked over to one of the cabinets and pulled out a file. "This is it," she said. "This is the file on your father."

Emily's heart was racing as she took the file from Rachel. She opened it, and a stack of papers slipped out.

As she began to read, Emily's eyes widened in shock. The files revealed a web of deceit and corruption that went all the way to the top.

Her father was involved, just as Jack had said. But it was worse than Emily had ever imagined.

She felt like she was going to be sick.

Suddenly, Emily heard a noise behind her. She turned to see Jack standing in the doorway, a look of concern on his face.

"Emily, I think it's time we got out of here," he said. "We're not safe."

But Emily was frozen in place, unable to move or speak. The truth about her father had left her reeling.

And then, just as Emily was starting to process everything, she heard the sound of footsteps coming from the hallway.

Heavy, deliberate footsteps.

Footsteps that seemed to be getting closer and closer...