Family secrets

“My greed ruined this family. I lost my wife and my eldest son. Just like Luke, your father never wanted to join the business. He dreamt of being a pilot after graduating, but I stopped him. I forced him into the business. Until the day he met your mother, he was overseeing the shipments. And since I didn’t want them to get married, he disowned this family. Changed his name and started a new life away from me.” As he spoke, Melissa felt the pain in his voice.

“Did my mother know about you?” Melissa asked the question that had nagged her for days.

“No, Peter never told her about us. For years, we lived like strangers until the day your father started investigating Mr. Stevens. That’s when he realized what Luke was up to. With your mother working closely with him, she eventually found out.” He took a sip, then glanced at her. “My child, don’t blame your uncle. He would never hurt Peter.” He sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “Go get some rest. Meet me at the office tomorrow. Th