Emma took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper:
"My parents... they weren't the people I thought they were.
They owned Sweet Delights Bakery with my uncle, but they were embezzling funds -
leaving him bankrupt."
Ryan's eyes widened in shock as Emma continued:
"I discovered their fraud and testified against them in court.
It destroyed our family - my parents disowned me, and we haven't spoken since."
Tears streamed down Emma's face as she confessed:
"I've carried this guilt and shame for years, thinking I betrayed my own family...
But honestly, Ryan, I think I saved my uncle's livelihood and reputation."
Ryan gently pulled Emma into his arms, holding her close:
"You're incredibly brave, Emma. Your testimony was an act of integrity, not betrayal."
As they hugged, the doorbell rang - Emma's eyes widened in alarm:
"That's my uncle... he never visits. This must be about my parents..."