Chapter 12: Facing The Truth

LISA'S POV

My father brought the conversation back on track, his expression serious. "So, Lisa, what's going on with the business? You were saying something about a problem?"

My mother's eyes widened, her interest piqued. "What's wrong, dear? Is everything okay?"

I sighed inwardly, thinking that my mother's arrival would provide a welcome distraction from the conversation. But now, it seemed like she was only going to make things worse.

I took a deep breath and launched into the story, telling my father everything that had happened - the struggles with the company, the financial issues, the meeting with Liam... everything. I left out Marcus's offer, saving it for the end.

As I finished, my father's expression was thoughtful. "I had no idea it was this serious," he said.

My mother's eyes were wide with concern. "Oh, Lisa, why didn't you tell us? We had no idea."

I shook my head. "I didn't want to worry you. And besides, I thought Father knew already."

My father's expression changed fr