When Trust Breaks: A Family Torn Apart by Betrayal

“Yes, let’s keep going,” Jacob nodded.

He erased everything, removed password histories, and installed a virus capable of corrupting any external storage devices. The only solution would require completely wiping the system and reinstalling the operating system.

An hour later, when Melissa called him for dinner, Jacob felt calmer. He managed to eat normally, keeping conversation focused on concerns about Mia. Melissa reminded him about tomorrow’s family dinner at his parents’ house.

“I was thinking of doing something nice for Liam,” she continued, making Jacob grip his fork tightly. “And Emma, of course. I don’t know. What do you think?”

“I don’t know. We could offer them some money,” he suggested flatly.

“Yeah,” Melissa nodded with a sigh. “I wish there was more. I see how worried Liam is, and it’s not like him. Oh, careful.”

“Sorry,” Jacob apologized as his fork clattered to the floor. Rising to retrieve it, he announced, “I’m done eating. You can plan something special for them on Sunday. But don’t forget Emma.”

“Of course,” Melissa smiled. “I wouldn’t forget Emma.”

“I’m going to shower,” he muttered before walking away.

The computer sabotage had felt sufficient until hearing his wife’s concern for his brother. As hot water cascaded down his back, Jacob knew he wouldn’t be satisfied until both betrayers were exposed.

The Family Dinner Disaster

Friday night’s family dinner began with laughter and the scraping of chairs. Jacob watched as Melissa sat beside him while Emma and Liam took seats across from them—his brother coincidentally positioned directly opposite Jacob’s wife.

They’ll probably play footsie right under our parents’ noses, Jacob seethed silently, awaiting the moment his plan would unfold.

Their parents, Victor and Marianne, expressed joy at having everyone together. Marianne affectionately kissed Mia’s cheek and ruffled Ella’s hair while Jacob stared at his nieces, feeling a twinge of remorse. They and Emma didn’t deserve the coming storm, but he couldn’t turn back now.

“Hey! Are you listening to me?” Liam’s voice interrupted Jacob’s thoughts.

Jacob blinked. “What?”

“I need you to come to my house. My computer went crazy. I even got a call from the bank about suspicious activity. They froze our accounts,” Liam explained frustratedly. “I don’t know what happened. I lost everything. I need you to get them back. Can you come later?”

“Sure,” Jacob responded automatically.

“What did you lose, son?” Victor asked.

“Everything, Dad! My boss will kill me if I can’t recover those files. I’ve worked so hard for this promotion. There’s also family stuff, and I need to fix whatever happened with the bank. I just didn’t have time today,” Liam continued.

“That’s serious,” Marianne commented.

“Yeah, Ma. But I’m sure Jacob can help me. I don’t know if hackers got any money, but hopefully not. Bro, hackers can be tracked, right?”

“Maybe you should call the police,” Victor suggested.

“I think the bank will investigate first, then contact authorities,” Liam replied as Jacob grew increasingly impatient, fidgeting while watching the clock.

“Are you feeling OK?” Melissa whispered.

“Yeah.”

“We can go together to Liam’s house,” she offered with a smile.

“Fine,” he sighed, continuing to check the time.

One…two…three…

Everyone’s phones simultaneously received a notification.

Jacob watched Liam specifically as he unlocked his phone and opened the video. His brother’s eyes widened before he quickly set the phone down. Liam began sweating and met Jacob’s gaze, realizing his brother had orchestrated this, but there was no time for explanations.

Everyone except the young girls had received the same video and were watching with shock.

“Grandma, what are you watching?” Ella asked innocently.

Marianne quickly hid her phone. “Girls, let’s go eat your nuggets in my room. Right now,” she insisted, hurrying them away while giving Liam a meaningful look.

Jacob turned to Emma, whose mouth formed a perfect “O” without sound. She looked up slowly. “Liam, what is this?” she asked quietly before turning to Melissa. “Mel, what is this?”

“Emma, I… it’s not real,” Melissa stammered, looking panicked toward Liam.

“It’s very real, Emma,” Jacob interrupted. “I saw them on my phone. I’m the one that sent you the video.”

“Liam!” Victor called sharply. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Dad, I…” Liam started, looking pleadingly at Jacob. “Why would you do this?”

“Me? Boy, do you have nerve,” Jacob shook his head, taking a deep breath before leaning forward angrily. “You cheated on your wife with my wife, and I did something to YOU?”

“Jacob,” Melissa stuttered.

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