Emma's uncle, Thomas, stood at the door, looking older but still kind-eyed.
"Emma, may I come in? We need to talk."
Emma nodded, stepping aside, and Thomas's gaze met Ryan's before focusing on her:
"I know about your conversation with Ryan tonight... and I'm here to set the record straight."
He took a deep breath before continuing:
"Your parents' embezzlement was worse than you knew, Emma. They were blackmailing other business owners...
And I've been gathering evidence to clear your name completely."
Emma's eyes widened in shock:
"Clear my name? But why now, Uncle Thomas?"
Thomas smiled softly:
"Because your parents are facing new charges, and their victims want you to testify AGAINST them again -
this time, to finally bring them to justice for ALL their crimes."
Ryan wrapped his arm around Emma's shoulders as she swayed slightly:
"Emma, this means your integrity will be fully vindicated... and your parents will face full accountability."
Suddenly, Emma's phone buzzed - a text from an unknown number again:
"Too late for vindication. Your parents have one last secret to destroy you..."