Page 46 of Secret Revenge

Travis’ expression betrayed his shock. It was clear he had not been expecting that piece of information.

“I know what you’re thinking,” I said. “At the time, I was convinced you still worked with Blackwell, one of your late dad’s strongest allies before his death.”

“How did you manage to get into Calypso on your own?” Travis asked quietly. “I mean, have you been working alone this whole time?”

I considered his question thoroughly. I didn’t want to implicate Jonathan or Michael, but it would be ludicrous to pretend I’d done all this on my own.

“I had help from a few people…” I began. “A friend of mine provided technical support, and I got my funding from Jonathan. He’s another journalist and like me, he had a bone to pick with your father. I know I broke the law several times with my actions. And I know I betrayed your trust. But I genuinely believed I was doing so for the greater good. When I found out the truth…” I looked away.

“I found out that you were nothing like your father and that you had never been. I really can’t even tell you how sorry I am. I have never been so wrong in my life about anyone as I was aboutyou. This whole time I believed you were a monster, and all you wanted to do was some good. I am willing to accept whatever punishment you have in mind. I deserve it.”

I felt out of breath when I finished speaking. I felt like I had been speaking for hours and my throat felt dry. I could feel my emotions bubbling to the surface, my control over them tenuous. With the way Travis sat watching me, I was certain he couldn’t make up his mind on a suitable enough punishment. I was certain that he would not be able to forgive me. I had broken his trust in the worst ways possible.

I thought about my mother and stepfather. How would they feel when they found out I was going to jail? All I wanted to do was help them, but all I had done was make myself a burden to them. My student loans would pile up while I was behind bars. At least Travis would find them and pay them reparations. He didn’t seem like the type to blame them for my actions.

Given the high profile of the brothers, I was sure that mine wasn’t going to be a short sentence. Stealing corporate data violated several federal laws and I could count on Travis’ big bucks lawyers to pursue the maximum sentence possible. I almost laughed aloud when I realized I could not afford a lawyer for myself, and that I was probably going to rely on the lawyer provided by the state for my defense. I was going to be put away for a long time, and all for nothing.

Travis got up from his seat and walked briskly towards me. I sat up straight and made an effort to maintain eye contact with him. Before I could process what he wanted, he reached down and pulled me gently to my feet. To my utmost surprise, he wrapped his strong arms around me in a hug.

My mind felt foggy. Why was he hugging me? My confusion mixed with a surge of hope and the dam of my emotions broke with a loud crack. The tears I had managed to keep at bay the whole time forced their way out of my eyes, and I was powerlessagainst the onslaught. I sobbed and keened in his arms. I had wanted to go out with dignity, with my head held high. Now, I didn’t care anymore. Why was he being so kind? I didn’t deserve his kindness after everything I had done to him.

“I’m not going to press charges, Emily,” Travis said softly, patting my head gently. “I never intended to.”

“Why?”

“Because I understand why you did what you did,” Travis replied. “I know that you meant well, and that your actions came from a good place. You weren’t trying to make a quick buck at my expense. You only wanted to learn the truth. Hell, I might have done the same in your position. If I were as brave as you.”

He broke off the hug and smiled at me. I couldn’t understand it.

“It’s also not entirely your fault. You were used,” he said.

I blinked in confusion. “What do you mean? I did everything I did willingly.”

“You mentioned a man you called Jonathan. Jonathan West is one of Blackwell’s henchmen. When my brothers found this out, they immediately thought the worst, but I believed you were being tricked. After listening to you now, I know I was correct.”

My eyes widened and fresh tears of panic spilled down my cheeks as Travis raised his phone, showing me pictures of Jonathan with Blackwell.

I immediately remembered how antagonistic Jonathan had been about the USB drive. The severity of my situation grew in my mind.

“I- I promise I had no idea Travis! I didn’t give them anything I took! I swear! I’ve only looked through it myself…” I was desperate for him to believe me.

Surprisingly, Travis offered comfort, “It's okay. I wouldn't blame you, even if you had shared it. Your intentions were to do the right thing.””

He wiped my tears and tucked a loose lock of hair behind my ear. The tender gesture weakened my knees. Gently, he lifted my chin, bringing our eyes to meet.

“Emily… that’s one of the things I love the most about you.”

My heart stopped. I stared into his eyes.

Love…?

It couldn’t be. It couldn’t be.

22

EMILY

"What do you mean?" I asked, tears weighing down my gaze. “Don’t say you love me, Travis. Don’t. You don’t mean it, and you know that.”