The Diner Owner Who Hid a Terrified Girl From Her Ruthless Stepbrother

The Confrontation Escalates

Ethan’s face contorted with rage. He was used to getting his way, especially back in the city where his family’s wealth bought silence and cooperation. He took a step back, sizing up the old man in the flannel shirt. He didn't see the faded military tattoo on Roy's forearm, nor did he recognize the quiet steel of a man who had nothing left to lose.

"You don't know who you're dealing with, old man,"

Ethan sneered, reaching into his jacket.

"That girl is my stepsister, and she belongs under my guardianship. She’s mentally unstable. She ran away from her treatment facility."

From beneath the table, Olivia shook her head frantically, her tears flowing faster. She desperately wanted to scream that it was a lie, but fear kept her frozen. Roy felt her movement and squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, keeping his eyes locked on the aggressive young man.

"She looks pretty stable to me,"

Roy said, his voice flat.

"Stable enough to run from a wolf."

Ethan let out a harsh laugh.

"She’s a minor. If you don't hand her over right now, I’m calling the police. I’ll have you locked up for kidnapping."

He pulled out his phone, tapping the screen aggressively.

But Roy didn't look worried. In fact, a faint, grim smile touched his lips. He knew exactly what Ethan was after. Olivia's father had been a regular at this diner before his sudden, suspicious death three weeks ago. He had spoken to Roy about his fears for Olivia's safety, knowing his stepson Ethan was desperate to inherit the family estate. The legal documents granting Olivia sole custody of the estate were hidden in a safety deposit box—and Olivia had the key.

"Go ahead, call the sheriff,"

Roy said, leaning back in his booth.

"Sheriff Miller is my cousin. And I think he’d be very interested to know why you're tracking a terrified child across state lines in the middle of the night without any official custody papers."

Ethan froze, his thumb hovering over the screen. The bluff had failed.