Oliver's POV
He stepped forward, gripped Vicky's arms before she could back away again, and gently held her still. His expression was heavy. Ancient. Exhausted.
"It's my fault, dear," he said softly. "Not Oliver's. It was never Oliver's fault."
Vicky blinked, stunned. "Dad… what are you talking about?"
I stared too, completely lost.
Benjamin looked at each of us one by one. His jaw tightened. His eyes flickered with something I had never seen in him before, fear? sorrow? resignation?
"Should we… go wait in the cafeteria?" Nick asked cautiously.
Benjamin shook his head. "No. You all stay." Then his gaze landed on me and Liam, firm and unyielding.
"I think it's time everyone knows the truth," he said. "Especially the two of you."
My breath caught.
The room suddenly felt too small. Too bright. Too quiet.
Something told me that whatever Benjamin Knight was about to say… would change everything not only in my life but everyone's, and I could feel that from my gut.
