A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Garrett’s face went bright red. He looked furious with himself.

“That was my screw-up!” He slapped himself hard.

“I took the family photo and tried to edit it on my phone-just to brighten it up. But I accidentally hit delete on your section and then saved it like an idiot!”

“Mom saw it and almost hit me with a broom. She told me to fix it and send her the right one. But when I texted her… I sent the wrong file. The messed-up one. She didn’t notice-her eyesight’s not great-and she just forwarded it to you. She thought it’d cheer you up, show you how happy everyone was…”

I covered my face, a broken sob escaping my throat.

One stupid mistake. One poorly timed accident. And it had destroyed me.

“And Dad… why did he…” I couldn’t finish. The word divestment hurt too much.

“Dad pulled the funding because he knew you’d always wanted to start your own business, but you were too scared to leave your high-paying job.”

“He said you’re too proud. That unless he forced your hand, you’d never take the leap. He pulled the investment to push you out to give you no choice but to follow your dream.”

“He already lined up angel investors in your industry. Set up client connections. Put together a startup fund. He was just waiting for you to quit and say yes.”

“He wanted you to be your own boss.”

I shook so hard I thought I’d break apart. The weight of my regret was crushing.

What have I done? What did I say?

“And… Vanessa’s Instagram post…” Garrett’s voice dropped. “Mom and Dad told her to do it.”

“After you left, they couldn’t reach you. They were desperate. Mom said she knew you-knew you were stubborn and proud. She thought if they provoked you, you’d come back to confront them. They never thought… you’d cut them off completely…”

Garrett started crying. A thirty-two-year-old man, sobbing like a child.

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