My legs burned as I ran through the dark. Branches scratched my arms. I held the folder tight to my chest, like it would disappear if I let go.
But I could not escape Harrison's face. That smile kept playing in my mind.
Calm. Knowing. Like he had won.
He did not chase me. He just watched me leave.
Why? What did he know that I didn't?
I stopped only at the main road. My lungs burned. My legs shook. I bent over to breathe and looked around to make sure no one followed me.
The road was empty.
I pulled out my phone. I wanted to hear Victor's voice. I needed someone to say things would be okay.
It buzzed. Victor, ten minutes ago:
Dad won't let me leave. He says if I go to you, he'll testify that your father forged the original agreement. Lara, I don't know what to do.
My heart sank. R
