Chapter 11 - Web of Lies
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The sound of Sterling’s heavy leather shoes fading down the stairwell was the only sound left in the room, save for the patter of rain against the windowpane.
Corbin stood in the center of the small apartment, surrounded by faded wallpaper, a worn sofa, and a tiny kitchen that held barely any food.
Lianna held Austin closer, her chest heaving as she backed away toward the corner.
“Mr. Stanford...” she whispered, her voice shaking violently. “I... I swear I never used your house to spy on you. I took the job because I was desperate. I needed the money for Austin... I swear I didn't mean to bring trouble to your family...”
Corbin closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting out a long, heavy breath. The guilt pressing on his chest felt heavier than iron.
“Lianna,” Corbin said softly, dropping his hands to his sides to show he was no threat. “You don't need to apologize to me. I should be on my knees begging for your forgiveness.”
She blinked, stunned by his words. “What?”
Corbin took a slow step toward the table, picking up the heavy blue envelope Sterling had tried so desperately to claim.
“My family built an empire,” Corbin said, looking at the faded label Prescott, Ethan - Site Logs. “And until five minutes ago, I had no idea it was built on top of your husband’s sacrifice.”
May you like
He looked up at her, meeting her eyes with complete sincerity.
“May I sit down?” he asked gently. “I think it’s time you told me everything.”
