My blood ran cold. Blackthorn. The name was like poison. Everyone in the city had heard of their underhanded deals and ruthless tactics. If Nathaniel was involved with them, it wasn’t just business—it was something far more sinister.
"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "You’re lying."
"Am I?" Lucas challenged, his voice hard. "Look at them again. Look closely."
My stomach churned as I picked up another photo. This one showed Nathaniel talking to a man whose face was partially obscured by shadows, but the insignia on his jacket was unmistakable—a black thorn encased in a crimson circle.
"I don’t understand," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why would he—"
"Because he’s not who you think he is," Lucas cut in, his tone scathing. "He’s not your savior, Tiffany. He’s the reason your family fell apart."
My head snapped up, his words like a slap across my face. "What are you talking about?"
"Think about it," Lucas said, his eyes boring into mine. "The accident. Your father’s bankruptcy. The scandal. All of it connects back to him."
I felt the air leave my lungs. "That’s not possible," I said weakly. "Nathaniel had nothing to do with any of that."