391: Unveiling Shadows

The sun had barely risen, and the world outside seemed quiet, but inside Emma's living room, the atmosphere was anything but calm. She and her brothers had gathered, an air of urgent secrecy surrounding them. As the youngest, Smatt, joined the group, his laughter cut through the tension when he heard the latest updates. "You outmaneuvered Dad?" Smatt chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe Wayne was part of this. He's always the rational one. High risk, but I guess the reward was tempting enough." Wayne, leaning against the cool windowpane, sighed. "It was a calculated risk, Smatt. We needed information, and this was the only way. Not everyone forgets after a few drinks—that’s true, but it was a chance we had to take." Emma, sitting with her arms crossed, nodded slowly. "It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now Dad's doubled down on his defenses. He’s become even more secretive since we started poking around." Smatt, now serious, leaned forward. "So, what’s