CHAPTER 34: LOOK INTO MY FATHER

"Is that a threat?" I asked, pulling my arm free from my father’s grip.

"It’s advice," he replied coldly. "Take it or leave it."

"I’ll leave it," I said firmly, turning away from him and walking toward the elevator.

My hands were shaking as I pressed the down button. The confrontation had shaken me more than I wanted to admit, but it had also confirmed something important: my father was hiding something big enough to threaten his own daughter over.

When I reached the parking garage, Axel was leaning against the car, checking his phone. He looked up as I approached, his expression immediately concerned.

"How is she?" he asked.

"Still unconscious," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I couldn’t stay long. Visiting hours, you know."

I didn’t mention the confrontation with my father. Not yet. I needed time to process what had just happened and figure out my next move.

"Ready to head home?" Axel asked, opening the passenger door for me.

"Yeah," I said, sliding into the seat. "I’m exhausted."

The drive home was mostly quiet. Axel seemed to sense that I needed space to think, and I was grateful for his understanding. But my mind was racing with plans and possibilities.

I couldn’t leave my mother at my father’s mercy, especially if he was somehow responsible for her condition.

I needed to arrange for someone to watch her room and inform me the moment she woke up. And I needed to find out exactly what my father had been doing all these years.

The next morning, I made some calls. First, I paid a nurse to discreetly monitor my mother’s hospital room and inform me of any changes as soon as they happened. Then, I contacted a private investigator who came highly recommended.

"I need you to look into my father, Charles Watson," I told the investigator during our phone consultation. "Financial records, business dealings, associates. Everything you can find from let’s say twenty years ago till now."

"What kind of timeline are we looking at?" he asked.

"As soon as possible."

When Axel offered me a few days off work, I declined. "I need to stay busy," I told him. "Sitting around worrying won’t help anyone."

Over the next week, I managed to visit my mother a few times by timing my visits carefully to avoid my father and Cassandra.

On Wednesday, I was at my desk when my phone buzzed with a text from Erica.

Erica: How are things going with your mom? Any updates?

I typed back quickly: Still unconscious. Family is basically keeping me from visiting her properly.

I started to type more about my suspicions regarding my father but stopped myself. I hadn’t even told Axel about that yet. It felt too dangerous to put in writing.

Erica: I’m so sorry babe. I wish I could do something to help.

Me: Thanks. I’m managing.

Erica: Actually, I know a way to cheer you up!

Me: How?

Erica: Come outside.

I stared at the message, confused. Outside where? I typed back.

Erica: Your office building. Just come down.

Puzzled, I grabbed my purse and headed for the elevator. When I stepped outside, I immediately spotted Erica standing near the building entrance, grinning widely.

"Surprise!" she called out, rushing over to hug me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, still processing her unexpected appearance.

"I got a job in this city," she announced proudly. "I moved here yesterday. Now we can be closer and I can be here for you during all this family drama."

I wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about this development.

On one hand, having my best friend nearby could be helpful. On the other hand, it felt like a big coincidence that she’d suddenly decided to move here right after everything that had happened.

"That’s... unexpected," I said carefully. "But great. I’m glad you’re here."

"I knew you’d be excited," Erica said, squeezing my hands. "We can spend so much more time together now."

Just then, Axel appeared, apparently heading out for lunch. He spotted us immediately and walked over.

"Erica," he said with a polite nod. "I didn’t expect to see you here."

"Axel!" Erica exclaimed, moving in for her usual hug.

This time, Axel stepped back and held up a hand. "I prefer to keep my personal space, thanks."

Erica’s face fell slightly, looking hurt by the rejection. "Oh. Okay. Sorry."

"I should go get settled into my apartment," she said, turning back to me. "I’ll call you later so we can make plans, okay?"

"Sure," I said, giving her another quick hug. "Welcome to the city."

After she left, I turned to Axel with a frown. "You could try to be a little nicer to my friend. She’s only trying to be nice and supportive."

"I’m not a nice person, Layla," he said flatly. "I’m insulted you’d even think that of me."

I rolled my eyes at his response. "You’re impossible sometimes."

"Have lunch with me," he said, changing the subject abruptly. "I don’t think you’ve eaten."

During lunch at a quiet restaurant near the office, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by everything that had been building up.

"My father is preventing me from seeing my mother properly," I finally admitted. "And I’m worried that he might have done something to cause her condition."

Axel’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. "What do you mean?"

"I don’t know for sure, but I just believe he somehow caused it. The stress of all things going on could have triggered her heart attack. Plus, the day we arrived from the business trip, I ran into him and we kind of argued a bit and he threatened me."

"Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?" Axel asked sharply, looking concerned

I was stunned by how genuinely upset he seemed. "I wasn’t sure if you’d want to listen, or if you’d even care."

"Of course I’d care," he said, leaning forward. "If your father is threatening, that affects both of us and..."

He trailed off, but I could see the anger in his eyes. I wondered if his concern was purely business-related or if there was something more personal behind it.

My phone rang, interrupting the moment. I glanced at the screen and saw it was my private investigator.

"I should take this," I said nervously, then answered. "Hello?"

"Mrs. O’Brien, I have some preliminary findings we need to discuss. Can you meet this afternoon?"

"I’m in a meeting right now," I said, glancing at Axel. "Can I call you back in an hour?"

"Certainly. But Mrs. O’Brien? What I’ve found so far is... significant."

My heart started pounding. "Okay. I’ll call you back."

I hung up and saw Axel watching me intently.

"Who was that?" he asked.

"Just Erica," I lied quickly. "Her new number. She wants to make plans for us to meet up later."

Axel’s expression darkened slightly. "Don’t let your friend get you carried away from your goals, Layla. You have more important things to focus on right now."

I rolled my eyes again. "You sound like my father."

Axel’s stare turned stern, and I immediately regretted the comparison.

"I’m sorry," I said quickly. "That wasn’t fair."

"I’m serious about this," he said firmly. "I don’t want you to lose your way when such serious things are happening. You need to stay focused."

"I understand," I said, chastened by his intensity. "You’re right."

"Good." He stood up. "I need to use the restroom. Order me another coffee if the waitress comes by."

As soon as he was out of sight, I quickly dialled my investigator back. "What did you find?" I asked in a low voice.