Chapter 7

Lily sat on the edge of the couch, staring down at the notebook in her hands. The weight of her father's secrets pressed heavily against her chest. Every page she turned felt like peeling back layers of a life she had never truly known.

Noah stood beside her, arms crossed. "So, what's next?"

Lily exhaled slowly. "I don't know. I don't even know where to start."

Hazel leaned back in her chair, watching them carefully. "The truth is, you don't have much time. If they realize you're digging into this, they'll come for you—just like they came for him."

A shiver ran down Lily's spine, but she clenched her fists, determination rising above fear. "Then I'll be ready."

Hazel chuckled softly, though there was no amusement in her eyes. "You sound just like your father."

Lily's heart ached at the words. She had spent years distancing herself from his memory, trying to erase the pain of his betrayal—or what she had thought was his betrayal. Now, everything had changed.

She looked back at the notebook, flipping to a page filled with scattered notes and half-finished sentences. Some words were underlined twice, circled, or scribbled out in frustration. But one name appeared over and over again.

"Monroe." Lily traced her fingers over the name. "He kept writing this."

Hazel's expression darkened. "That's because Monroe is at the center of all of this."

Lily's stomach twisted. "Hazel, who is Monroe?"

Hazel hesitated before answering. "A powerful man with too many enemies. And your father was one of them."

Noah frowned. "If he was against your father, then why isn't his name all over the reports? Why isn't anyone talking about him?"

Hazel smirked bitterly. "Because men like Monroe don't exist in the public eye. They work from the shadows, controlling people like puppets. If you want the truth, he's where you start."

Lily's pulse quickened. For years, she had lived with the lie that her father was the villain. Now, she had a name. A direction.

But it also meant she was stepping onto dangerous ground.

She met Hazel's gaze, her voice steady. "Where do I find him?"

Hazel exhaled. "You don't. Not yet. But I know someone who can get you close."

Lily exchanged a glance with Noah, his brows furrowed in concern. But she knew what he was thinking—they had already come this far. There was no turning back now.

Hazel stood, walking toward a shelf lined with old books and framed photographs. She pulled out a worn business card and handed it to Lily.

"This person owes me a favor," Hazel said. "If you want answers, go to this address."

Lily took the card and read the name printed in neat black letters. Elias Everett.

Her breath caught.

She looked up sharply. "Everett?"

Hazel nodded. "Your father trusted him. Maybe you should too."

Lily tightened her grip on the card. Another piece of the puzzle. Another lead.

She didn't know what awaited her next, but she knew one thing for certain.

She wasn't going to stop until she uncovered the truth.