Chapter 1647:

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Facing Brett directly, Callie pleaded, “Dad, if you’re truly innocent, then reveal the truth to Nicole so she can understand. And I can find peace. Please?”

It was clear that Callie had oversimplified the situation. If it were that straightforward, Brett wouldn’t have spent years hiding, trembling at the mere mention of the police and the past.

Tense and silent, Brett gripped the cane tightly, his eyes dark, like a starving wolf, ready to pounce.

Nicole realized Brett had no intention of letting her leave. If she did, she would expose his location, and his gaze hinted at a readiness for violence.

Maintaining her composure, Nicole said, “Brett, it’s been a long time.”

Her tone momentarily stunned Brett. It transported him back to a time when a young Nicole had affectionately called him “Uncle,” showing no signs of being a spoiled rich girl. Back then, Nicole had been different from the typical wealthy individuals who looked down on others.

There was a time when Brett had truly admired Nicole.

Perhaps because he had a daughter of his own, he had seen in Nicole the poised, well-mannered person he wanted his own child to be. But now…

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Brett loosened his grip on the cane and ordered, “Leave.” Letting Nicole go was his final act of kindness.

Alternatively, he could incapacitate her and throw her into the river.

Yet, Brett overestimated his resolve. He couldn’t bring himself to do it—especially not to the young girl who had once called him “Uncle” with affection.

Brett said, “Stop looking for me. I know nothing. If you value your safety, leave now.”

Nicole pleaded, “I only seek the truth. Please, tell me what really happened to my father.”

As Brett revisited the past, a shiver ran down his spine. Along with the shiver came a wave of guilt. However, he was also a father who needed to protect his daughter and support his aging parents. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—divulge the truth.

Brett steeled himself, raising the cane and pointing it directly at Nicole. “Miss Lawrence, you have five minutes. If you refuse to leave…”

He paused, his gaze filled with threat. “Hold me accountable for what follows.”

Naturally, Nicole had no intention of leaving. The fact that Brett was even willing to give her a chance to go suggested there was still a flicker of conscience in him. Maybe he had made a grave mistake in his desperation to protect his family.

As her father’s daughter, Nicole couldn’t forgive Brett’s actions, but she could understand his anguish.

Regardless, she remained firm in her resolve.

“Brett, I won’t leave until I uncover the truth,” Nicole declared.

“Then you’ve chosen the hard way!” Brett growled, raising the cane, ready to strike.

“Ah!” Callie’s scream pierced the air as she rushed forward, grabbing her father’s arm. “Dad, please, you can’t do this. Don’t hurt anyone!”

Brett looked helplessly at his daughter. This naive girl couldn’t understand that hurting Nicole was necessary to ensure her safety.

Tears streaming down her face, Callie pleaded, “Nicole saved me… You can’t hurt her…”

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