Page 86 of Cole

“Annie—”

“That’s why he’s been distant,” she said, the realization hitting her like a physical blow. “That’s why our conversations have been strained. You put him in an impossible position.”

Her father squared his shoulders. “I gave him a choice. The same choice I’m giving you now.”

“It’s not a choice when you manipulate all the variables.” Annie felt her hands trembling and clenched them into fists. “I was going to tell him everything—today, in fact. I was going to be honest about who I am, about our family, about Angelica. But you couldn’t even allow me that dignity.”

“I did what I thought was best,” he said stiffly. “I just wish I hadn’t been too late.”

Annie glanced toward the dining room, where Benji and Elizabeth waited. She lowered her voice. “Was there even a threatening message, Dad? Or was that just another manipulation to frighten me into compliance?”

Her father’s gaze went steely. “You think I would lie about something like that? About your sister being alive?”

The accusation hung between them, heavy and painful. Annie felt a twinge of remorse, but her anger outweighed it.

“I think you would do anything to maintain control,” she said quietly. “Even if it meant hurting me.”

Her dad pulled his shoulders back. “Annalisa, I am trying to keep you from being hurt.”

“By also hurting me.”

“A broken heart can mend. A lost life is gone forever.”

Before Annie could respond, Benji appeared in the doorway. “Everything okay in here?”

“Fine,” her father said, his business mask sliding back into place. “We’re coming.”

Dinner was a tense affair. The cook had outdone herself with a beautifully prepared meal, but Annie barely tasted it. Her mind raced with questions about what her father had said to Cole, what threats or promises he might have made. Each bite felt like ash in her mouth.

“Julian sends his regards,” her father said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “He’s in Tokyo for the launch of the new medical imaging system.”

“How convenient,” Annie murmured, earning a warning glance from Elizabeth.

“He’ll hopefully be home for Christmas and New Year’s,” her father continued as if he hadn’t heard her. “The whole family together.”

“Except Angelica,” Annie said, unable to stop herself.

Her father set down his fork with deliberate care. “Yes. Except Angelica.”

The rest of the meal passed in stilted conversation. Benji made valiant attempts to discuss his studies, and Elizabeth talked about a fundraiser she was a part of, topics that would normally engage Annie. But that night, she couldn’t focus, her thoughts constantly returning to Cole and what her father might have said to him.

When dinner finally concluded, Annie stood quickly. “I should head back before it gets any later.”

“I’ll have someone drive you,” her father said, already reaching for his phone.

“No need. I have Nyla, and the walk will do me good.” She needed the solitude, the crisp air to clear her head.

“Annalisa.” Her father’s voice stopped her at the doorway. “This message is real. The threat is real. Please consider what I’ve said.”

Annie met his gaze, seeing the genuine concern behind his authoritative demeanor. Despite her anger, she knew his actions, however misguided, came from love.

“I’ll be careful,” she said finally. “But I need to talk to Cole myself. I need to hear from him what you said.”

Her father nodded once. A small concession. “The additional security will escort you home.”

“Fine.” It wasn’t worth arguing about.

Benji walked her to the door, helping her into her coat. “Want me to come with you?”

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