Fifty Seven

CHAPTER 57

Uncle Lionel looked at Cassandra with a face full of concern. With a heavy voice, he finally asked, “Cassandra, isn’t Antonio suspicious of your true work? With everything you’ve done, it seems impossible that he hasn’t started doubting you.”

Cassandra took a deep breath before answering. She stared at the floor as if seeking strength from within herself. “Honestly, Uncle, I think he’s starting to figure it out,” she said softly yet firmly. “But I won’t waver. Even if it means I have to die, I’ll die to uncover the truth. What has happened cannot be left unresolved.”

Aunt Marrie, sitting beside Uncle Lionel, trembled upon hearing this declaration. Tears began streaming down her face without her realizing it, and her hands tightly gripped the fabric of her skirt.

Cassandra looked at them alternately. There was guilt in her heart, but also an unwavering determination. “I won’t come to this house anymore,” she said suddenly. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, yet filled with certainty. “For the sake of your safety. I don’t want my enemies coming near this house and endangering you both.”

Aunt Marrie burst into tears, crying uncontrollably. Her sobs were so heart-wrenching that they made the atmosphere in the room even heavier. She looked at Cassandra with eyes full of tears. “Cassandra, you can’t leave us like this! Since you were fifteen years old, we’ve raised you. We’ve treated you like our own child. How can we live in constant fear every day, not knowing if you’re safe or not?”

Tears started to stream down Cassandra’s cheeks, but she remained steadfast. Carefully, she pulled Aunt Marrie into an embrace. “Auntie, Uncle, I love you both more than anything. But this is a decision I have to make. I don’t want you to get more involved. I must protect you.”

Uncle Lionel, who usually appeared strong, finally let out a long sigh and hugged Cassandra along with Aunt Marrie. “Cassandra,” he said softly, “we only want you to stay alive and happy. We can’t lose you.”

After a moment, Cassandra finally released their embrace. She stood slowly, then walked out of the house toward her car. Before getting into the car, she turned one last time, seeing her adoptive parents standing in the doorway with faces full of sorrow.

Once seated in the driver’s seat, Cassandra could no longer hold back her tears. They flowed freely down her cheeks, reflecting the heavy burden she carried. However, she quickly wiped them away and steeled herself. She started the engine and drove off, leaving the small house behind.

As the car sped down the dark road, Cassandra tried to regulate her breathing. Her heart felt shattered, but she knew this was the only way to protect the ones she loved. She didn’t want them to see her weakness or be shaken by the guilt that continued to haunt her.

“I have to be strong,” she whispered to herself. “For them. For the truth.”

In the darkness of the night, Cassandra’s car drove further away, carrying with it her unwavering resolve. Yet beneath that strength lay a deep longing for the warmth of the home she had left behind and a small prayer in her heart that one day, she could return without the looming threats haunting her.

Cassandra drove her car until she reached a small inn on the outskirts of town. She decided to stop for a while, giving herself time to breathe and plan her next steps. She booked a simple room and headed there directly without lingering in the lobby.

Once inside the room, she sat on the edge of the bed and reached for her phone. There were several unread messages, including one from Jessica, her best friend and greatest supporter. Cassandra opened the message, reading the words filled with care and concern.

“Cassandra, are you okay? I know you’re dealing with a lot, but remember that I’m always here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.”

Cassandra smiled faintly. She typed a short reply, “I’m okay, Jess. Thank you for your concern. I’ll call you later.” Then, she placed her phone on the bedside table and lay down.

Her mind drifted back to the past, to the moments when she first uncovered the horrifying truths about Antonio. Everything she discovered didn’t just change her life; it also made her lose many things she held dear. Yet amidst all those losses, she found a greater purpose—to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who had been wronged.

That night, Cassandra couldn’t sleep soundly. She kept thinking about her next steps. Antonio was a smart and dangerous man, and Cassandra knew she had to be cautious with every move she made. She opened her laptop and began meticulously planning in more detail. The data and information she had gathered over time were carefully organized to ensure there were no gaps Antonio could exploit.

As dawn broke, Cassandra finally closed her laptop. She felt slightly relieved, as at least her next steps were clear in her mind. With renewed determination, she prepared to continue her journey. Yet deep down, she knew the challenges ahead would be far tougher than she had ever imagined.

The next day, Cassandra arrived in a small town where she had an appointment with an informant. This informant was a former employee of Antonio’s who had been unfairly dismissed. Cassandra hoped to gain more information that could aid her mission.

They met at a quiet, small café. The man, who introduced himself as Lucas, looked nervous and kept glancing around. “You must be Cassandra,” he said, shaking Cassandra’s hand awkwardly.

“Yes, Lucas. Thank you for agreeing to meet me,” Cassandra replied with a warm smile. “I know this isn’t easy for you, but I really need your help.”

Lucas nodded slowly. “I don’t have much time. Antonio has spies everywhere. But I know something that might help you.”

They spoke in hushed tones, discussing the various pieces of information Lucas had. Cassandra carefully noted every detail, ensuring nothing was missed. Lucas handed her several important documents he had managed to save before being fired, and Cassandra felt this was a significant step toward her success.

However, the meeting didn’t last long. Lucas suddenly looked increasingly uneasy. “I have to go now. If I stay any longer, both of us could be in danger,” he said as he stood up.

Cassandra nodded, understanding the situation. “Thank you, Lucas. I deeply appreciate your bravery.”

Lucas hurriedly left, leaving Cassandra alone in the café. She looked at the documents in her hands, feeling that the puzzle she had been trying to solve was beginning to make more sense. However, she also knew this was just the beginning. The dangers lurking around her were becoming more real, and she had to be even more careful.

After her meeting with Lucas, Cassandra returned to her car and opened one of the documents he had given her. The contents shocked her. There were names of prominent figures involved in Antonio’s crimes, including several high-ranking officials long thought to be free of scandal.

“This is bigger than I imagined,” Cassandra murmured to herself. She realized her fight wasn’t just for herself but for the many victims.

With newfound determination, Cassandra continued her journey. She knew every step carried great risk, but she would not back down. In her heart, she vowed to keep moving forward, no matter what. This journey wasn’t just about seeking revenge but about bringing justice to those who had lost everything.

That night, Cassandra stopped at a small motel to rest. She knew the days ahead would be increasingly challenging, but she was ready to face them all. With her growing resolve, she prepared for the next chapter in her fight, bringing new hope to those who had long lived in the shadows of injustice.