The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Chapter 5: To Give One's All

A few minutes later...

Khai stormed into Lucious Stanton's office, an old, worn photograph clenched tightly in her hand. Her face was a storm of frustration and unanswered questions. Lucious sat behind his massive oak desk, his expression unreadable as he watched his granddaughter march toward him with fire in her eyes.

Khai:
"I want answers, Poppa."

She slapped the photograph onto his desk, the image of a younger Lucious standing side by side with John Whitmore and an unfamiliar man named Theodore staring back at them. The edges were frayed, the ink slightly faded, but it told a story—a story she wasn't a part of.

Lucious:
(Leaning back in his chair, his fingers interlaced, his expression carefully composed)
"Where did you get this, Khai?"

Khai:
"Does it matter? Why the hell did someone send me this? Why are you standing next to John Whitmore and this... Theodore guy?!"

Her voice cracked with anger, her eyes searching his face for any sign of the truth he always kept from her.

Lucious:
(Sighing, feigning disappointment as if burdened by the weight of a painful past)
"John Whitmore... that man was nothing but a traitor, Khai. He betrayed me, betrayed our family. That photo? It's a reminder of the trust I once had in a man who stabbed me in the back when I least expected it."

Khai's jaw tightened, her hands balling into fists. Her instincts told her there was more to this, but Lucious's tone—so heavy with resentment—was convincing.

Khai:
"Betrayed you? How?"

Lucious:
(Narrowing his eyes, voice low and calculated)
"John Whitmore was supposed to be my partner, my right-hand man. But instead, he made deals behind my back—deals that nearly destroyed everything I built. He wanted the Stanton empire for himself, Khai. He sold our secrets, aligned himself with our enemies, and left me no choice but to cut him off before he could ruin us."

Khai's breath hitched. The more he spoke, the more the flames of vengeance burned inside her. She swallowed hard, her anger shifting focus.

Khai:
"So Frederick... he's just following in his father's footsteps."

Lucious:
"Exactly, child. The Whitmores have always been snakes, and Frederick is no different. He's been lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike, just like his father did. If we don't act first, he'll tear us apart."

Lucious leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Khai's, feeding into her deepest fears.

Lucious:
"That photo was meant to shake you, to make you question everything—but don't let it. You know where your loyalty lies, and it sure as hell isn't with the Whitmores. We need to finish what your father started."

Khai exhaled sharply, nodding, her heart racing with conviction. She believed him. She had to.

Khai:
"You're right. We can't let them win."

Lucious:
(Smirking slightly, satisfied with her response)
"That's my girl. You stay focused on what's important—on making them pay."

He paused for a beat, his eyes darkening before he shifted the conversation.

Lucious:
"And speaking of staying focused... I heard about Rain."

Khai stiffened at the mention of her name, her anger replaced by a dull ache in her chest.

Lucious:
"You did the right thing, Khai. Letting her go was necessary. You can't afford distractions, not now. She doesn't belong in this world, and you know it."