CHAPTER 174

TRENTS POV

I stumbled back a step, nearly tripping over my own feet. The flashlight shook in my unsteady grip, casting wild shadows across the room.

Dad's face was half-hidden in darkness, but I could see the cruel twist of his lips.

"What did you do to him?" I demanded, gesturing towards Mr. Matthews with the flashlight. My voice cracked, betraying my fear.

Dad chuckled, a low sound that made my skin crawl. He took a step closer, and I moved to put myself between him and Tom's bed.

"Oh, don't worry about him," Dad said, waving a dismissive hand. "He's just taking a little nap. You should be more concerned about yourself right now, Trent."

I licked my dry lips, my mind racing. "The livestream," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "People saw. They know Tom's alive. You can't -"

Dad cut me off with a sharp laugh, taking another step closer. I could smell his expensive cologne, a scent that used to mean safety but now filled me with dread.

"Oh, Trent," he said, shaking his head in