Addressing Brett directly, Callie pleaded, “Dad, if you're truly innocent, then reveal the truth to Nicole so she can understand, and I can find peace, please?"

It was evident that Callie had oversimplified the complexity of the situation. If only it were that straightforward. Brett wouldn't have spent years in hiding, quivering at the mere mention of the police and the events of the past.

Silent and tense, Brett clutched the stick tightly, his eyes resembling those of a famished wolf, poised to strike at any provocation.

Nicole discerned Brett's intentions. He had no intention of letting her depart. Her departure would expose his whereabouts, and the intensity in his gaze hinted at a readiness to resort to violence.

Maintaining her composure, Nicole uttered, "Brett, it's been quite a while."

Her tone momentarily stunned Brett. It was as though he had been transported back to a time when a young Nicole had affectionately addressed him, showing no signs of a spoiled rich girl. The young Nicole diverged from the typical affluent individuals who regarded others with disdain.

There was a time when Brett genuinely admired Nicole. Perhaps because he had a daughter of his own, he saw in Nicole a reflection of the poised, well-mannered individual he wished his child to become. But now...

Brett eased his grip on the stick and commanded, "Leave." Granting Nicole freedom was his final act of compassion. Alternatively, he could incapacitate her and discard her into the river.

Yet, Brett overestimated his resolve. He couldn't bring himself to do so, especially not to the young girl who had once affectionately called him "Uncle."

Brett said, "Stop searching for me. I know nothing. If you value your safety, depart immediately.”

Nicole implored, "Brett, I only seek the truth. Please, tell me what truly befell my father."

As Brett revisited the past, a shiver traced its way down his spine.

Accompanying the shiver was a crushing wave of guilt. However, he was now a father tasked with safeguarding his daughter and committed to supporting his aging parents. He couldn't, and wouldn't, divulge the truth.

Brett steeled himself, raised the stick and he aimed it directly at Nicole. "Miss Lawrence, you have five minutes. If you refuse to depart."

He halted, his gaze fraught with threat. "Don't hold me accountable for what follows."

Naturally, Nicole had no intention of complying. The mere fact that Brett was willing to grant her departure suggested a flicker of conscience within him. Perhaps, driven by desperation to safeguard his daughter, he had succumbed to a grave mistake. As the victim's daughter, Nicole couldn't forgive Brett's actions, but she could empathize with a parent's anguish under such dire circumstances.

Regardless, she remained resolute in her pursuit of truth.

"Brett, I won't depart until I uncover the truth," Nicole asserted firmly.

“Then you've chosen the difficult path!" Brett growled, swinging the stick menacingly, poised to advance on Nicole.

"Ah!" Callie's scream pierced the tense air as she rushed to embrace her father's arm, pleading, "Dad, please... You can't do this. Don't hurt anyone..."