Chapter 2 - THE SECRET UNDER THE HALE NAME

I didn't sleep that night.

Not because I was angry.

Not yet.

I was confused.

And confusion was something Bennett Hale hated more than any enemy.

Enemies could be studied.

Threats could be eliminated.

But secrets?

Secrets lived in the dark.

And my family had just shown me how much darkness it carried.

At six in the morning, I was already downstairs.

Clara was in the kitchen.

She froze when she saw me.

For a second, neither of us spoke.

Then I asked:

"How long have you known?"

Her hands tightened around the coffee cup.

"Known what?"

I almost laughed.

"Don't do that."

She looked away.

"How long have you known I was your brother?"

Silence.

Then she whispered:

"Since before I came here."

The answer hurt.

More than I expected.

"Then why didn't you tell me?"

She looked at me.

Because for the first time, I saw something in her eyes.

Not fear.

Pain.

"Because your mother asked me not to."

I stared.

"My mother?"

"She wanted you to know the truth."

"Then why hide it?"

Clara swallowed.

"Because she wanted me to meet you before you knew who I was."

I frowned.

"Why?"

Her voice became quiet.

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