Love x betrayal

chapter 27: Fight for power

The sun was low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over Jake’s mansion as Sadie paced nervously in the living room. Her father had called unexpectedly, asking to visit. It had been months since they’d last spoken face to face, and Sadie couldn’t shake the unease that twisted in her gut. Ever since uncovering the truth about his involvement in the theft and lies about her mother, she wasn’t sure how to feel about him anymore.

Jake sat calmly on the couch, watching her with a quiet intensity. He hadn’t said much since Sadie told him about the visit, but she could sense his tension. There was a strange sense of comfort in knowing Jake was there—whatever happened, he’d have her back.

A knock on the door shattered the silence, and Sadie froze. Jake’s eyes met hers, and he gave a slight nod. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said, his voice low and reassuring.

Sadie swallowed hard and nodded. “I know. But I need to hear what he has to say.”

Jake stood, crossing the room in a few strides. He opened the door, and there stood her father—looking a little older, a little wearier, but still holding that air of authority that made Sadie’s stomach twist.

“Sadie,” her father said, stepping inside. His eyes flicked to Jake briefly before he focused on his daughter. “I’m glad you agreed to see me.”

She didn’t respond right away, just gestured for him to sit. Jake lingered by the door, his arms crossed over his chest, watching like a hawk.

Once her father settled into the armchair, Sadie finally spoke. “Why are you here, Dad? You haven’t reached out in months, and now, suddenly, you want to talk?”

Her father’s smile was tight, almost rehearsed. “I’ve been thinking about you, sweetheart. I know things have been… strained between us, but I’ve had some time to reflect. And I think we need to discuss your inheritance.”

Sadie’s heart sank. She had suspected this was the real reason for his visit. “What about it?” she asked, her voice sharp, trying to mask the hurt she felt.

Her father leaned forward, his hands clasped together. “I know it’s a lot of responsibility for someone your age. Running the estate, managing the business—it’s overwhelming. But, Sadie, I can help you. I can guide you through it, make sure everything is handled properly.”

Sadie felt her chest tighten, her suspicion growing. “Help me?” she echoed. “Or take control of it?”

Her father’s smile wavered, but he quickly recovered. “You’re misunderstanding me. I just want what’s best for you. I’ve been in this business for years, I know how to handle things. You don’t have to burden yourself with all of this. Just… hand over the management to me, and I’ll make sure you get everything you deserve without the stress.”

Sadie’s fists clenched at her sides. “You mean, like you ‘handled’ things before? Like when you lied about mom? Like when you stole from the city?” Her voice trembled with the weight of her words.

Her father’s expression hardened, and he sat up straighter. “I did what I had to do to protect this family. Everything I’ve ever done was for us.”

Jake, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his voice cold. “Protect? You mean you lied and manipulated your own daughter for your selfish gains.”

Sadie’s father shot Jake a glare. “This is a family matter, boy. Stay out of it. you have your own issues and I'll deal with you later.”

Jake smirked, unfazed. “Sadie is my family now. So, I suggest you tread carefully.”

Her father’s face twisted with anger, but he quickly turned back to Sadie, softening his tone. “Sweetheart, don’t let him confuse you. I’m your father. I’ve always been there for you, and I’m the only one who truly understands what it takes to manage our legacy.”

Sadie stood her ground, her heart pounding in her chest. “No, Dad. You were there when it suited you. But I’ve seen through your lies, and I’m done being manipulated.”

Her father rose from his seat, his face flushing with frustration. “You don’t know what you’re doing, Sadie. You’ll ruin everything!”

Sadie took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. “No, Dad. You already did that.”

Before her father could respond, Jake stepped in between them, his gaze fierce. “You heard her. It’s time for you to leave.”

Her father’s eyes flashed with fury. “You’re making a mistake, Sadie. A big one.”

But Sadie stood firm. “Maybe. But at least it’s my mistake to make.”

Her father shook his head, looking between Sadie and Jake with pure disdain. “You’ll regret this,” he spat before storming toward the door.

Jake opened it, giving him one last icy stare. “I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.”

With a final glare, her father left, slamming the door behind him. The silence that followed was deafening, and Sadie felt a mix of relief and guilt wash over her.

She sank onto the couch, her hands trembling. “Did I… did I just throw my own father out?”

Jake sat beside her, his presence steady and grounding. “You did what you had to do, Sadie. He wasn’t here for you—he was here for money and power. And you stood up to him.”

Sadie stared at the floor, her thoughts spinning. She had been angry with her father for so long, but now that the confrontation had happened, all she felt was an aching emptiness. “I still feel guilty,” she whispered. “He’s still my dad…”

Jake didn’t say anything for a moment, then he placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice softer than she expected. “You’ll always feel something for him. That doesn’t make you weak. But you can’t let him control your life. You did the right thing.”

Sadie looked up at him, surprised by the kindness in his eyes. “Thanks, Jake. For everything, i guess.”

Jake’s lips twitched into a small, almost amused smile. “Don’t mention it.”

For the first time in a long while, Sadie felt a small flicker of hope. She wasn’t alone in this maybe just for now because Jake wasn't to be trusted he was still a mysterious character—whatever the future held, she would face it on her terms.