Chapter 12: The Trap Tightens

The silence inside the hospital room felt heavier than before. Kisha remained seated on the edge of the bed, the folded letter still trembling between her fingers. She had read the message more than five times, yet the words refused to make sense.

If you want to save Corey Lawson… come alone. Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears. Who sent it? Why now? And how did they know everything?

A knock on the door startled her. She quickly slipped the letter beneath her pillow. “Come in.”

Mama Uyioku walked in slowly, leaning on the nurse for support. Despite the weakness written across her face, the warmth in her smile remained unchanged. “My stubborn girl.”

Kisha forced a smile. You should be resting, Mama.

“And leave you alone with that troubled face?” Mama chuckled softly before taking a seat beside her. I’ve watched you since you were little. Every time you’re hiding something, your eyes become restless.

Kisha lowered her gaze. “I don’t want to drag anyone else into my problems.”

“My child…” Mama reached for her hand. Sometimes silence becomes more dangerous than the truth. Kisha felt a lump form in her throat, “What if the truth destroys everything?”

Mama sighed. “No, It only destroys lies.” The words settled deep inside Kisha’s heart. Before she could respond, the nurse entered. Mrs. Uyioku, your doctor is waiting.

Mama nodded before standing. As she reached the door, she stopped. Without turning around, she spoke quietly; whatever Robert is planning, he has already started. The door closed. Leaving Kisha frozen.

Legacy Woodwork..

Corey stood inside the production warehouse watching dozens of craftsmen shape raw timber into luxury furniture. Normally, the sound of machines calmed him but today, every noise irritated him. His thoughts refused to leave the hospital.

“Kisha…” Why had she looked so frightened? Why had Robert spoken to her like she was nothing more than another employee? None of it made sense.

“Mr. Lawson." Shawn approached carefully. The

board members have arrived.

Corey nodded. “I’m coming.”

Minutes later, the executive boardroom buzzed with conversation, charts covered the projector screen, sales had reached another record high.

The directors applauded. “Congratulations, sir. Our expansion into the northern region has exceeded expectations.” Another director smiled, the merger with Prime Anchor and Ash Furniture should make us untouchable.

Corey remained silent. He stared at Robert’s company logo displayed on the screen, something about the agreement bothered him. Robert Prime wasn’t known for generosity, every move he made benefited only himself.

“So why now?” One question kept repeating inside Corey’s mind.

Across town, Robert Prime sat inside his study. The afternoon sun reflected against the crystal glass in his hand. He watched the city through enormous windows.

“Sir.” One of his security men entered.Miss Prime has received the message.

Robert smiled. “Good.”

“And Mr. Lawson?”

He knows nothing.

Robert placed his drink on the table. “He will.”

The guard hesitated. There is another issue.

“What is it?”

Someone has been asking questions about Morgan Lawson. Robert’s expression hardened instantly.

“Who?”

We haven’t confirmed it yet.

Robert slowly picked up his walking stick. Tap, tap, tap. Every strike against the floor echoed through the room. I buried that story years ago. It should have stayed buried.

At the hospital, Brenda stepped out of the elevator carrying another bouquet of flowers. The receptionist smiled immediately. “Good afternoon, Miss Boone.” Brenda returned the smile. “I’m here to see Miss Prime.”

The receptionist frowned. I’m sorry, she asked not to receive visitors. Brenda’s smile disappeared, “I wasn’t asking.” She walked away before the receptionist could respond.

Inside the room, Kisha stood beside the window. She didn’t hear the door open.

“So…”

Brenda’s voice broke the silence. You really do enjoy making Corey worry? Kisha didn’t turn around. “What do you want?”

Brenda placed the flowers on the table. I came because I care.

“You came because you enjoy pretending.”

Brenda laughed. You know, I used to wonder why Corey could never love another woman. She stepped closer, now I understand.

Kisha finally faced her. Brenda’s smile widened. “You’re both broken.”

For a second, neither woman spoke.Then Brenda leaned closer, “But broken people don’t always belong together.” She slipped a business card onto the bedside table, if you truly love him. You’ll walk away before Robert destroys him. Brenda left without another word.

Kisha stared at the card. There was no company name, only an address, Old Lawson Timber Mill. Her heart skipped, the same place mentioned in the anonymous letter.

Evening settled over Stark City. Rain clouds gathered above the skyline. Corey loosened his tie as he prepared to leave the office. Before reaching the elevator, Shawn hurried toward him. “Sir.”

Corey stopped. “What is it?”

We’ve just received security footage.

“What footage?”

The cameras near the abandoned Lawson Timber Mill. Corey’s expression changed, what about them?

Shawn handed him a tablet. Corey pressed play. The footage showed someone standing outside the abandoned building. A woman. She wore a dark coat but her face wasn’t visible.

But the moment she turned…Corey’s breath caught. “Kisha…” The timestamp showed only one thing. Tonight. He looked at Shawn, send security to scout the area for any suspicious movement. Don’t make it known to her, just ensure her safety. Without another word, Corey ran toward the elevator.

Miles away, Kisha folded the anonymous letter and slipped it into her handbag. She knew it could be a trap and she also knew she had no choice.If there was even the slightest chance the message could save Corey…

She would face whatever waited for her. On a second thought she decided not today. She looked at the abandoned building once again and walked back to hospital before anyone notice she is gone. Even if it meant walking straight into the darkness, she will get to the bottom of this madness.