Chapter 1649:

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It seemed Jamie was the only one capable of acquiring it. Jamie must have captured the video, arranged for its editing, and intended to present it to her father to emotionally manipulate him.

Brett continued, “Shortly thereafter, Callie succumbed to a severe illness, collapsing unconscious. Once again, that woman appeared at the hospital, asserting that a compatible kidney donor had been found for Callie. Not only did she pledge financial assistance, but she also coordinated the necessary surgical procedure for Callie.

“I hesitated initially, grappling with the weight of Callie’s coma and my rising panic. When the woman returned, temptation clouded my judgment, and I succumbed, agreeing to her terms. However, upon hearing my agreement, her demands shifted.”

Brett paused before proceeding, his voice heavy with the gravity of his revelation. “Her request shook me to the core. She demanded that I coerce Mr. Lawrence into taking his own life, making him a sacrificial pawn in her twisted scheme. I couldn’t entertain such a notion.

“Mr. Lawrence had shown me kindness and supported my family. To carry out such a deed would strip me of my humanity. Yet, that evening, Callie teetered on the brink of death. A grim prognosis was delivered, plunging me into a state of profound disorientation…”

Brett still bore the pain as he recounted the memories. His daughter’s critical state rendered him senseless. Looking back, Callie’s deterioration seemed unnaturally swift, particularly after the woman’s intervention. It had to be her doing.

But at that moment, Brett’s desperation to save his daughter eclipsed everything else. “I yielded to the woman’s demand. During the layoff meeting, while everyone congregated downstairs, I slipped into Mr. Lawrence’s office.

Familiar with dodging surveillance cameras, I remained undetected. Yet, Mrs. Lawrence was present, aware that I was the last to see her husband.”

Lɒtєst ϲh𝒶ptєrs ιn g𝓪lnovеℓ𝓈.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Nicole remained unaware that her mother knew. The shock of it had proven too much, sending her mother into a coma that persisted to this day. That was why the truth had stayed hidden for so long.

Brett went on, “As requested, I played the video for Mr. Lawrence and then told him that burdening his child with parents like him could be overwhelming. I said those words to persuade him to take his own life. For a long while, Mr. Lawrence remained silent.

Eventually, he expressed his reluctance to burden his daughter. He couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her to face the world alone or making her feel that his death was her responsibility.

“Miss Lawrence, your father feared that his death would cast a shadow over you, making you believe it was your fault. He was a truly exceptional father, with an intimate understanding of you…”

Nicole’s eyes welled with tears, cascading down her cheeks. The anguish was suffocating; every breath was a labor.

Brett sighed. “Mr. Lawrence’s words moved me deeply. I realized the enormity of my wrongdoing. How could I endanger another loving father for the sake of my daughter?

I confessed everything, and he forgave me. His words still linger in my mind. He said, ‘Brett, I forgive you as a fellow father. Never repeat this mistake. Seek help if needed.'”

Brett’s eyes mirrored Nicole’s. Indeed, he and Mr. Lawrence were both fathers, guardians in need. He had nearly forfeited his right to fatherhood.

Brett replayed the events. “Shame weighed heavily on me as I left, abandoning Mr. Lawrence behind. Ashamed to face anyone, I sought solace. But as I retreated, I noticed my daughter’s gifted keychain was missing. Retracing my steps, I glimpsed a fleeting shadow down another corridor, assuming it was a colleague and dismissing it.

“Upon my return to Mr. Lawrence’s office, the door stood ajar, silence reigning within. Assuming Mr. Lawrence had departed, I retrieved my keychain. Just as I prepared to exit, I noticed the open window. The wind atop the building prompted me to close it, only to witness a gathering crowd below…”

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