Chapter 11: The Price Of Silence (Part 1)

The room was silent except for the steady rhythm of the heart monitor. Kisha lay motionless, staring at the white ceiling. Brenda’s visit had left a bitter taste in her mouth. Every word she had spoken replayed in her mind like an endless recording.

“Corey and I went out for lunch…”

“His mother treats me like a daughter-in-law…”

“He needs stability.”

Kisha let out a dry laugh. So this is what my life has become.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. “Come in.”The door creaked open slowly. Mama Uyioku stepped inside with the help of her walking stick, refusing the nurse’s assistance.

“My sweet girl.” Kisha immediately sat upright. Mama, you shouldn’t be walking around. “And who are you to scold an old woman?” Mama teased with a faint smile.

Despite everything weighing on her heart, Kisha couldn’t help smiling. “You never listen.”

“I learned from you.” They laughed softly. For a brief moment, the world outside disappeared. Mama reached for Kisha’s hand.

“I saw Brenda.”

Kisha’s smile vanished.

“You did?”

Mama nodded. I’ve lived long enough to know the difference between a woman who loves… and a woman who wants to possess. Kisha lowered her eyes, “I don’t think Corey belongs to anyone anymore.”

Mama sighed deeply. “He belongs to himself first.” Silence settled between them, then Mama’s expression changed.

“Kisha…”

“Yes?”

“How much longer are you going to carry this burden alone?”

Kisha froze. I don't know what you mean.

“You’ve been protecting everyone except yourself.”

Tears gathered in Kisha’s eyes. If Corey finds out the truth…

“He deserves to.” Mama smiled.

“No!”

Her voice echoed through the room. If he knows why I left. He’ll never forgive himself. Mama gently squeezed her fingers, My child, sometimes the truth hurts before it heals. Before Kisha could respond, someone knocked

Three firm knocks. Shawn stepped inside.“Sorry to interrupt.” He looked between them, and Mr Lawson asked me to deliver these documents. He placed a brown envelope on the bedside table.

“He also asked me to tell you…” Shawn hesitated, saying that you’re no longer required to participate in the merger project until you’ve recovered. Kisha looked surprised.

“He… removed me?”

“No.” He postponed everything, he said your health comes first. A flicker of emotion crossed her face, Corey still cared even if he refused to admit it. After Shawn left, Mama smiled knowingly.

“You see?” He still worries. Kisha shook her head, he pities me.

“No.” Mama’s voice became firm. That boy has never looked at another woman the way he looks at you. Kisha looked away before the tears could fall again.

Meanwhile…

Legacy Woodwork Headquarters. Corey stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office. The city stretched beneath him. Normally, watching Stark from above gave him clarity.

Today…nothing made sense. A soft knock came from the door.

“Come in.” Shawn entered carrying another folder, and the legal team prepared the merger documents. Corey didn’t turn.

“Leave them.”

“There is something else.” What?

Shawn swallowed. Our investigators completed the background check you requested. Corey finally faced him.

“And?”

“They couldn’t find anything suspicious.”

Nothing? Nothing involving Miss Prime.

Corey’s jaw tightened. What about Robert?

Shawn opened the folder. Robert Prime recently transferred large amounts of money into several shell companies.

“Corey’s eyes narrowed. Purpose?”

Unknown.

But…Shawn placed another file on the desk. Those shell companies have been purchasing small woodworking factories across the country.

Corey's eye brow furrowed. “What does that have to do with Legacy Woodwork?”

Everything sir. Shawn slid a map across the desk. Every factory surrounded one of Legacy Woodwork’s major supply routes.

Corey stared silently. They’re closing in.

“Yes.” And if they acquire one more company…They’ll control almost all your timber distribution. A dangerous silence filled the office.

“So this merger…” Corey whispered.

“…was never about business.”

Across Stark City, Robert Prime sat alone inside his private study, the room smelled of aged whiskey and cedarwood. He stared at a faded photograph. Morgan Lawson, Marla and a little girl. Robert’s thumb slowly brushed over Morgan’s face before he smiled coldly.

A knock came.

“Enter.”

A man dressed in black stepped inside. “It’s done.” Robert never looked up. And the merger?

Mr. Lawson signed the preliminary agreement. Robert chuckled.

“Excellent, the trap is almost complete.”

The man hesitated. There is one problem.

Robert finally raised his eyes.

“Kisha Prime.”

What about her?

“She and Corey are growing closer.” Robert’s expression darkened. They were never supposed to meet again.

“They have.” For several seconds, the room was completely still. Then Robert stood, he picked up his walking stick. Tap, tap, tap, every step echoed across the room. Prepare for the next phase.

“What about Miss Prime?” Robert’s smile sent a chill through the room. My daughter has always been obedient.

“And if she refuses?”

Robert looked out the window toward the city skyline. “Then…I’ll remind her what happens to people who choose love over family.”

At the hospital…

Kisha reached for the brown envelope Shawn had delivered. Inside, there was only one sheet of paper. No signature, no company letterhead, just one handwritten sentence.

If you want to save Corey Lawson… meet me tonight at the abandoned Lawson Workshop. Come alone. Tell no one.

Her heartbeat quickened. Below the message was an old photograph, she stared at it in disbelief. Standing beside a younger Morgan Lawso, was Robert Prime. The two men were smiling like brothers.

Kisha’s fingers trembled. “No…” she whispered, this can’t be true.