Chapter 8
Richard did not answer the call.
Not yet.
He stared at the screen until it stopped ringing.
Then it began again.
Linda looked at him through tears.
“Who is it?”
Richard’s jaw worked.
“No one.”
But his voice was wrong.
Tyler noticed.
So did Linda.
On television, Daniel Pierce stood beside Emma while photographers gathered near the stage.
Richard had attended enough business events to recognize power when it moved quietly.
Daniel did not stand beside people by accident.
He did not lend his name casually.
He did not appear in viral graduation clips without purpose.
Richard’s fear deepened because he knew there was a connection he did not understand.
Or worse.
One he did.
But the final connection was not revealed.
The caller’s identity remained unseen.
Daniel’s reason for selecting Emma stayed hidden.
Emma’s complete scholarship package was not explained.
Only Richard’s reaction showed that the past had reached into the living room and found him.
Linda whispered, “Richard, answer it.”
He did not.
The phone rang a third time.
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On-screen, Emma turned toward the crowd with the white roses in her arms.
Read the full story 👉 Richard feared the ringing phone because Daniel’s appearance beside Emma hinted at a connection he had tried to avoid.
