“I did what I had to do, Allison,” I said softly. “I’m sorry you’re caught up in this, but I couldn’t let Kyle get away with it.”

The agents escorted Kyle out, his protests echoing through the hallway. The rest of the family sat in stunned silence, the weight of betrayal heavy in the room. Allison’s eyes brimmed with tears, her face a portrait of confusion and heartbreak.

“I didn’t want it to come to this,” I said, turning to her. “But Kyle left me no choice. He stole from me—he stole from us all. I couldn’t just stand by and let it happen.”

Allison nodded slowly, her shoulders trembling. “I didn’t know, Rebecca. I swear, I didn’t know.”

“I believe you,” I replied, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “But we both need to be vigilant. There are deceivers out there, even among those we love.”