Page 85 of Cole

It took a moment for Annie to understand what he was saying. “Because we’re identical.”

Her dad nodded. “That’s the only way someone could look at that picture and know who you were.”

Annie didn’t want to think that was possible, because that would mean he’d been right about what would happen if she appeared in public.

Was that really what had happened? Or was her dad trying to prove to her why he didn’t want her dating Cole or anyone else in the spotlight?

“Dad, that seems like a bit of a stretch,” Annie said, moving into the room to sit beside Benji on the leather sofa.

Her father’s jaw tightened. “Identical twins remain identical, even as adults. The chances of someone mistaking you for anyone else are astronomically low.”

“But we don’t even know if Angelica is…” Annie couldn’t finish the sentence. They never spoke the possibility aloud, though it hung in the air constantly, a shadow that had followed their family for over two decades.

“She’s alive,” her father said firmly. “This message confirms it.”

Annie exchanged a glance with Benji, who looked equally skeptical. Elizabeth sat silently beside her husband, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, knuckles white.

“What does Jude recommend?” Annie asked, referring to the head of their security team.

“He wants to increase security measures immediately. For all of us, but especially for you.” Her father began pacing, his footsteps heavy on the hardwood floor. “I’ve already authorized it. There will be additional personnel stationed around your cabin starting tonight.”

Annie felt the familiar tightening in her chest that came whenever her freedom was about to be further restricted. “For how long?”

“As long as necessary.” Her father stopped pacing to look directly at her. “And I need you to reconsider your relationship with Cole Halverson.”

There it was. The real reason for tonight’s dinner. Annie felt Benji shift beside her, a subtle gesture of solidarity.

“Dad, we’ve been through this—”

“The situation has changed,” he interrupted, his voice leaving no room for argument. “This threat emerged after you were photographed with him. This person now knows someone you’re associated with, making it easier for them to find you. The connection is clear.”

“Even if there is a connection, hiding isn’t the solution.”

Her father’s expression darkened. “Except that it has worked for all these years. You’ve been safe until you ventured into the spotlight.”

“I’ve been isolated,” Annie corrected. “There’s a difference.”

The room fell silent. Nyla sensed the tension and pressed closer to Annie’s legs. Elizabeth finally spoke, her voice soft but steady.

“Duncan, perhaps we should discuss this after dinner. Margarita has prepared something special since you’re home.”

Her father nodded stiffly, clearly not finished with the conversation but willing to postpone it. As they moved toward the dining room, he held Annie back with a gentle touch on her arm.

“I had a conversation with Cole Halverson after his game last week,” he said quietly.

Annie felt as though the floor had dropped away beneath her feet, even though she’d suspected he might have talked to him. “You did what?”

“I explained our situation. The need for privacy. The potential dangers of the two of you dating.”

“You had no right,” Annie whispered, anger and betrayal washing over her.

“No right?” Her father’s voice remained calm but firm. “I have every right to protect my family.”

“By going behind my back?” Annie stepped away from him, creating a physical distance that matched the emotional chasm widening between them. “What exactly did you tell him?”

Her father’s expression remained impassive. “I shared enough for him to understand the gravity of the situation.”

“And did you threaten him?” Annie watched her father’s face carefully, noting the slight tightening around his eyes. “You did, didn’t you? What was it this time? His career? Money?”