The Truth Unveiled

Tricia's world was spinning.

"You're not who you think you are."

Daniel's words echoed in her mind, louder than her pounding heartbeat. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to stay composed despite the ropes digging into her wrists.

"You don't get to say that and just sit there," she hissed. "Talk. Now."

Daniel exhaled, rubbing his face with his hands. "It's complicated."

"Try me."

He hesitated, his fingers drumming against the table. "Everything you've been chasing, everything Maya tried to uncover, it's about you, Tricia. You're the secret."

She shook her head. "That makes no sense. How can I be a secret?"

Daniel looked away, guilt flashing in his eyes.

And then it hit her.

The photograph.

The woman standing beside her as a child. A woman she didn't recognize.

Tricia's voice was unsteady. "My parents… they're not really my parents, are they?"

Daniel's silence was the only confirmation she needed.

A sharp pain shot through her chest. Had her entire life been a lie?

Before Daniel could respond, the door creaked open again.

And Tricia's breath caught.

A woman stepped inside.

She was tall, poised, and eerily familiar. Dark hair slicked back, sharp features, piercing gray eyes. There was something coldly elegant about her presence, something commanding.

She moved slowly, deliberately, like she already knew she had won.

Daniel stiffened but said nothing.

Tricia, however, couldn't stay silent.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

The woman smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, Tricia… after all this time, you still don't remember me?"

Tricia's blood ran cold.

Remember?

A memory flickered, hands lifting her as a child, a lullaby in a language she didn't recognize, the warmth of a hug that wasn't her mother's.

The realization slammed into her like a freight train.

"You," she whispered. "You're the woman in the photo."

The woman inclined her head. "Very good." She took a step closer. "I am Lana Hathaway. Your real mother."

The words sucked the air from Tricia's lungs.

No. It couldn't be true.

Lana watched her carefully, as if studying her reaction. "I knew you wouldn't remember much. They did a good job erasing your past."

Tricia's throat was dry. "What are you talking about?"

Lana exhaled softly, as if this conversation was long overdue. "Your so-called parents? They took you from me. Stole you from the life you were meant to have."

Tricia's stomach twisted. "That doesn't make any sense."

"It will."Lana glanced at Daniel, then back at Tricia. "You were born into something bigger than you realize, Tricia. You come from a family of power, of influence. But my enemies, they wanted to control me. And when they couldn't, they took the only leverage they could find."

Tricia shook her head. "No. My parents… they raised me. They love me."

Lana's expression darkened. "They raised you to be their pawn. To keep you away from the truth."

The weight of it all crashed down on her. Maya had figured it out, that's why she was killed.

And now, Tricia was next.

She forced herself to stay focused. "So what now? You expect me to believe you, just like that?"

Lana sighed. "I don't expect you to believe me. But you need to understand, you've been living in a lie. And the people you thought you could trust? They were never on your side."

Tricia's eyes flicked to Daniel. "Even him?"

Daniel stiffened but didn't speak.

Lana smiled faintly. "Ah, yes. Your dear friend Daniel. Let's just say… he had his doubts."

Tricia turned to him, fury boiling in her veins. "You knew all along"

Daniel swallowed hard. "I didn't know everything."

"But you knew enough," she spat. "And you still lied to me."

Lana watched the exchange with mild amusement. "You're stronger than I expected. Good." She stepped forward, placing a hand under Tricia's chin, tilting her face upward. "I have plans for you, my daughter."

Tricia yanked away from her touch. "I'm not your daughter."

Lana merely chuckled. "We'll see."

Then she turned to Daniel. "Cut her loose. We have work to do."

Daniel hesitated.

Lana's eyes narrowed. "Now, Daniel."

He exhaled sharply, pulling out a knife and slicing through the ropes.

Tricia rubbed her wrists, her mind racing. This was it. The moment she had been searching for.

She had found the truth.

But she wasn't sure if she'd survive it.