Chapter one hundred and sixty three

Seeing as there was no means to convince him otherwise, his parents had no choice but to agree, though their eyes still held a hint of doubt. “We trust you, Rhys,” his father said finally. “But be careful, okay?”

Rhys nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He had done it. He had told them, and they had believed him. He did not hesitate to call his best friend, Jonathan who asked to meet in a restaurant.

Rhys arrived at the private restaurant, a discreet location he had chosen to ensure their conversation remained confidential. He spotted Jonathan already seated at a table, sipping a glass of wine.

“Hey, man,” Rhys said, sliding into the chair across from his friend. “Thanks for meeting me here.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on, Rhys? You sounded serious on the phone.”

Rhys took a deep breath, launching into the same story he had told his parents. “I’ve got a business deal I need to close, and I have to travel for it. I’m not sure when I’ll be back.”

Jonathan’s e