CHAPTER NINETY FIVE

EIGHT YEARS AGO

It was a sunny afternoon in the Donovan's expensive backyard. The sound of dribbling basketball and the laughter of two teenage boys filled the air.

Trent, aged 10, his face a mirror image of his twin brother Tom, maneuvered the ball between his legs, dodging his best friend's attempts to steal it. With a well-timed jump shot, the ball arced through the net, and his friend groaned.

"Man, you're too good at this," Damien complained, swiping the sweat from his brow. "I'm about ready to call it quits."

Trent grinned, tossing the ball back to him. "What, giving up already? And here I thought you were supposed to be the star player."

Damien rolled his eyes, twirling the ball on his finger. "Yeah, yeah, rub it in. I'm only the star because you allow me to be, you know."

Trent's smile faded slightly, his gaze drifting towards the house where the faint sounds of raised voices could be heard. "I don't know, Dames. Dad's been on my case about basketball lately. Says it's a wast