Chapter 2583: Chapter 2590

Maintaining her composure, Nicole uttered, “Brett, it’s been quite a while.

”

Her tone momentarily stunned Brett.

It was as though he had been transported back to a time when a young Nicole had affectionately addressed him, showing no signs of a spoiled rich girl.

The young Nicole diverged from the typical affluent individuals who regarded others with disdain.

There was a time when Brett genuinely admired Nicole.

Perhaps because he had a daughter of his own, he saw in Nicole a reflection of the poised, well-mannered individual he wished his child to become.

But now…

Brett eased his grip on the stick and commanded, “Leave.

” Granting Nicole freedom was his final act of compassion.

Alternatively, he could incapacitate her and discard her into the river.

Yet, Brett overestimated his resolve.

He couldn’t bring himself to do so, especially not to the young girl who had once affectionately called him “Uncle.

”

Brett said, “Stop searching for me.

I know nothing.

If you value your safety, depart immediately.

”

Nicole implored, “Brett, I only seek the truth.

Please, tell me what truly befell my father.

”

As Brett revisited the past, a shiver traced its way down his spine.

Accompanying the shiver was a crushing wave of guilt.

However, he was now a father tasked with safeguarding his daughter and committed to supporting his aging parents.

He couldn’t, and wouldn’t, divulge the truth.

Brett steeled himself, raised the stick and he aimed it directly at Nicole.

“Miss Lawrence, you have five minutes.

If you refuse to depart.

”

He halted, his gaze fraught with threat.

“Don’t hold me accountable for what follows.

”

Naturally, Nicole had no intention of complying.

The mere fact that Brett was willing to grant her departure suggested a flicker of conscience within him.

Perhaps, driven by desperation to safeguard his daughter, he had succumbed to a grave mistake.

As the victim’s daughter, Nicole couldn’t forgive Brett’s actions, but she could empathize with a parent’s anguish under such dire circumstances.

Regardless, she remained resolute in her pursuit of truth.

“Brett, I won’t depart until I uncover the truth,” Nicole asserted firmly.

“Then you’ve chosen the difficult path!” Brett growled, swinging the stick menacingly, poised to advance on Nicole.

“Ah!” Callie’s scream pierced the tense air as she rushed to embrace her father’s arm, pleading, “Dad, please… You can’t do this.

Don’t hurt anyone…”

Brett glanced helplessly at his daughter.

This naive child failed to comprehend causing harm to Nicole was essential for ensuring her safety in the future.

Tears streaming down her face, Callie implored, “Nicole saved me…”

You can’t harm her.

Filled with a sense of powerlessness, Brett relented.

“Leave now.

For Callie’s sake, I won’t harm you.

But don’t test me, Miss Lawrence…”

Nicole remained steadfast, her silence echoing her determination.

She stood on the precipice of truth, too close to retreat now.

Otherwise, her father’s spirit would never find solace…

Callie gazed into Nicole’s tear-filled eyes, a wave of sadness washing over her.

She implored, “Dad, can’t you just be honest with Nicole? Tell her the truth, and then we can leave, please?”

Brett remained silent, Callie’s hopeful gaze fixed upon him.

“Dad, didn’t you always say that having a conscience is paramount? Nicole’s family has been nothing but kind to us.

Why can’t you tell the truth from her? If her father was truly wronged, it’s a tragedy.

You owe her the truth, not secrecy.

”

Tears welled up in Nicole’s eyes.

She locked gazes with Brett and then dropped to her knees with a resounding thud, pleading, “Brett, I implore you, reveal the truth to me, please…”