Penance - Uncovering the truth, Secrets and confessions, and Twisted pasts

Chapter 64

The private plane's cabin had a soft, dim light that gave an almost magical glow to the comfortable leather seats. Grayson sat in one of those seats, his fingers occasionally tapping on the armrest in a rhythm that mirrored his swirling thoughts. The hum of the engines seemed to echo his restlessness, a reminder that time was of the essence.

"Alison," he repeated, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration at the lack of response.

Grayson leaned against the window, his attention out at the city lights below yet his mind was filled with thoughts of her. "Alison," he said once more, his voice softer this time, laced with a touch of empathy.

And then, just as he was about to give up hope, a faint sound crackled through the earpiece. "Did you miss me?" Alison's voice, though slightly slurred, carried a soft chuckle.

Grayson's relief was palpable, a weight lifted from his shoulders. Alison's voice sounded oddly carefree and light. "Are you drunk?" Grayson's brows furrowed. Mason's voice murmured in the background, raising more questions. "Is Mason there with you?"

"He's here, but not here," Alison teased. "Imagine Mason and I sharing a drink. Now that would be a sight to see, wouldn't it?"

Grayson could hear faint shouts of Mason in the background - "Who are you talking to?" Mason's words were sluggish and slow. Alison responded with a peal of laughter, as if Mason's words were the funniest thing she had heard all night. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Dammit Alison, Grayson couldn't help but sigh inwardly, acknowledging that she was drunk.

Grayson pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience being tested. "Hudson found your lost records," Grayson took a deep breath, trying to remain patient despite the challenge of getting through to Alison. "We could present this evidence to the authorities and expose Mason."

With Hudson possessing Alison's records, she was now legally recognized. The disappearance of her lost files would be trailed back to Mason - guilty as charged. 

There was a momentary pause, and Grayson could almost picture Alison processing his words. "Do you believe that Hudson would let us have access to my records?" Alison's voice took on a more mischievous tone.

Grayson had expected Alison to ask that question. Hudson had told Grayson that he had no reason to turn Mason in. He believed that, up until now, Alison had caused more pain, suffering, and difficulties, despite being in the hospital due to Mason. Mason had given them money and helped them escape their old lives, which was a significant reason why Hudson didn't want to report Mason - it would mean losing the financial support they depended on. Yet, Grayson was aware that Hudson still cared about Alison's well-being.

Hudson had admitted that he regretted not being a better brother to Alison. Just like their parents had high hopes for Alison, Hudson had also placed his own expectations on her, and even shut her out when she needed his support the most.

Hudson's involvement went beyond just being concerned; he actively tried to help Alison. Hudson had put himself on the board, and started playing. 

But the most important moment came when Hudson had broken down in tears upon realising the risks Alison was facing. Grayson understood that it's not common for a 25-year-old to cry easily. There had to be something deeply touching for Hudson to cry about.

Thinking back, Grayson remembered Nash crying after his breakup with Alisa. Initially, Grayson had thought it was strange to cry over a breakup. But looking back, he realised it must have been painful. Nash had played their grandfather's games longer than anyone has, and probably suffered more than the rest of his brothers. Alisa had chosen their family's legacy over Nash, and that decision carried a lot of emotional weight for both of them. With the changes that Avery and Libby had brought, Alisa might have felt regretful about her choice now.