As we left the warehouse, the silence felt thick, almost foreboding. Harrison’s relief was apparent finally, he thought, he had uncovered the truth of Mr. Blackwood’s lies. But Rachel seemed distant, her gaze fixed somewhere in the darkness.
Then, a low rumble broke the quiet, and headlights cut through the shadows. A sleek black car stopped in our path, and a tall figure stepped out. The tension in Harrison’s face said it all Luca, Mr. Blackwood’s loyal protege, stood before us. Only now did we know the truth: Luca wasn’t just Blackwood’s tool; he was Harrison’s brother.
Harrison’s expression turned to anger and betrayal. “Luca?” His voice was strained, almost disbelieving. “What are you doing here?”
Luca’s eyes swept over us, a cold smile tugging at his lips. “Finally figured it out, have you? Who you really are, and what Blackwood did?”
Harrison’s fists clenched, the anger in his eyes barely restrained. “I know now, Luca. I know everything. Blackwood killed our parents. He raised me like a pawn, using me while he turned you against me.”
Luca didn’t flinch. “He did what he had to do. Our father and mother were weak. They trusted the wrong people, and it got them killed. Blackwood raised me to be stronger than that. Strong enough to do whatever it takes to protect our family’s legacy.”
“Legacy?” Rachel snapped, her voice laced with disgust. “He destroyed Harrison’s family your family just to fuel his twisted empire. Don’t you see? He’s using you as a weapon, Luca.”
Luca’s gaze hardened as he looked at her. “I’m nobody’s weapon, Rachel. I know exactly what I’m doing. Blackwood taught me to be strong, and that means protecting what’s ours-whatever it takes. He raised me because he knew I was worthy of it. You, Harrison… you were always just the charity case.”
Harrison’s face twisted with pain and rage. “You think Blackwood did this out of care? He murdered our parents, Luca, and raised us as pawns, pit us against each other to serve his agenda!”
But Luca only smirked. “You really don’t get it, do you, brother? Blackwood saw potential in me someone he could rely on. You were just a convenience, a soft-hearted idealist he kept close to control. While you were busy being his ‘good son,’ I was learning what it takes to lead.”
Harrison’s eyes glistened with pain, but he stood his ground. “Luca, don’t you see? We’re brothers, and he’s used us both. This isn’t about loyalty or strength-it’s about him keeping control over us for his benefit.”
For a moment, Luca’s expression faltered, a flash of hurt crossing his face. But then his gaze turned icy again. “Maybe he used us. But the difference is, I’m not running away. I’ve accepted it. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Blackwood’s empire stands-even if it means crushing you in the process.”
Harrison stepped forward, his voice barely more than a whisper. “You’re my brother, Luca. We don’t have to be enemies. Together, we could finally bring Blackwood down. End his lies and the twisted hold he has over our lives.”
Luca’s cold smile returned, and he stepped back, his face unreadable. “The only family I have left is Blackwood, Harrison. And if you’re not with us, then you’re against us.” He turned to go, his parting words cutting through the silence like a knife. “If you think you can stop us, you’re welcome to try. But I won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to protect our legacy even if it means burying you.”
As Luca disappeared into the night, Harrison stood frozen, gripping the letter that told the whole story of their family’s betrayal. Rachel placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “We’ll find a way, Harrison. Blackwood may have turned Luca against you, but we’ll make him pay for what he’s done.”
Harrison nodded, but his eyes were full of pain as he looked after his brother, the weight of betrayal heavy in the air. We knew then that this fight would be harder than we’d ever imagined. For Harrison, it wasn’t just about bringing down Mr. Blackwood; it was about facing his own blood and Luca was more determined than ever to stop him.