The rain poured harder as I stared at Victor, my phone shaking in my hand.
My mother's terrified face was still on the screen.
Don't trust anyone. Not even the boy you think you know.
“Lara,” Victor said, stepping closer. “Please, say something.”
“Is everything you told me true?” I asked. “About Charles and my father?”
“Yes. Every word.”
“Then why didn't you tell me?” I stepped back. “You knew someone was trying to destroy my future, yet you let me believe I wasn't good enough for the scholarship!”
“I was trying to protect you!”
“Protect me from what? The truth?” My voice broke. “That's not protection, Victor. You made the decision for me, just like everyone else!”
He looked hurt, but I couldn't bring myself to care.
“My mother is missing, my scholarship is gone, and now I find o
