Brett glanced helplessly at his daughter. This naive child failed to comprehend causing harm to Nicole was essential for ensuring her safety in the future.

Tears streaming down her face, Callie implored, "Nicole saved me..."

You can't harm her.

Filled with a sense of powerlessness, Brett relented. "Leave now. For Callie's sake, I won't harm you. But don't test me, Miss Lawrence..."

Nicole remained steadfast, her silence echoing her determination. She stood on the precipice of truth, too close to retreat now. Otherwise, her father's spirit would never find solace...

Callie gazed into Nicole's tear-filled eyes, a wave of sadness washing over her. She implored, "Dad, can't you just be honest with Nicole? Tell her the truth, and then we can leave, please?"

Brett remained silent, Callie's hopeful gaze fixed upon him. "Dad, didn't you always say that having a conscience is paramount? Nicole's family has been nothing but kind to us. Why can't you tell the truth from her? If her father was truly wronged, it's a tragedy. You owe her the truth, not secrecy."

Tears welled up in Nicole's eyes. She locked gazes with Brett and then dropped to her knees with a resounding thud, pleading, “Brett, I implore you, reveal the truth to me, please..."

Brett was deeply moved by the scene unfolding before him. After a prolonged moment of silence, he finally spoke, his voice heavy with emotion. “Callie, please go to another room and wait for me."

Callie hesitated, reluctant to be excluded. "Dad, can't I know too?"

"Trust me, Callie. Just go to the next room". Brett insisted, his tone firm.

Brett couldn't bear the thought of burdening his daughter with the knowledge of his actions. The guilt would be his alone to bear for the rest of his days. He wanted nothing more than for Callie to live a life free from such weight. If Callie were to discover the truth that her father had committed a terrible deed for her sake, it would shatter her happiness irreparably.

Still concerned, Callie asked, "You won't harm Nicole, will you?"

Brett met her gaze with sincerity. “Do you doubt your father? I assure you, I have never harmed anyone."

With this reassurance, Callie seemed to find some peace. Casting a final glance at his father and Nicole, she turned and made her way to the next room.

Now it was just Nicole and Brett in the room.

As Brett helped Nicole to her feet, he uttered, "Miss Lawrence, please rise."

Once standing, Nicole spoke softly, her voice tinged with urgency.

“Brett, I trust you, but please, tell me the truth. What happened to my father?"

After a moment of contemplation, Brett finally said, “Miss Lawrence, your intuition serves you well. Your father was indeed murdered."