A Bold Confrontation.

Richard's Pov.

I never knew I could boldly confront Olivia on issues like this in order to get rid of her even with the weight of my discoveries. I still have to arrange another meeting at the mansion.

Working with Mr. Clifford as his P. A for some years and getting an opportunity like this was a mere secret I needed to find out.

My heart pounded in anticipation when I arrived at Clifford's mansion.

Olivia greeted me with her usual poise but I could see a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

"We need to talk" I began my voice steady.

"Talked? Who do you think you are, you think you can just walk in here or do things the way you like". She interjected, yelling at me.

"Pardon, I don't mean to be rude but you need to see this".

See what?". She curiously asked.

I laid out the documents I had gathered, detailing Clifford's questioning and Olivia's possible involvement in her mother's death.

Her composure cracked when she read through the document. "You've done your homework". She said coolly. "But what do you intend to do with this information?".

I took a deep breath. "I won't be your pawn". I won't marry someone who will have control over me".

"What do you mean by that? Because that doesn't answer my question". She interjected.

"And what's your question all about?".

"What do you intend to do with this document?". She asked aggressively.

"I'll use it against you if you forced me against my will, for crying out loud I love Emily and I can't be forced to marry you".

Her smile was icy. "You're braver than I thought," she said. "But remember, Richard, this is an opportunity you can't afford to lose".

"I care not and am not interested if it will involve losing someone I love".

"Then let's watch and see how it goes". She said,

After leaving the mansion, I felt a renewed sense of determination. I was ready to navigate this treacherous path but on my own terms.

With no choice I went back to Emily's apartment. She had been grappling with the betrayal and confusion my news had brought.

She had loved me deeply but now everything felt uncertain. She knew I was in a difficult position, but she couldn't ignore the pain I had caused her.

After some days Emily found herself at a crossroads. Determined not to let this break her, she decided to fight for her future.

She started researching Clifford Wonder and his company, uncovering more about the dark secrets of his empire.

Emily's resolve strengthened as she realized I might be in more danger than I knew.

She reached out to an old friend in investigative Journalism, hoping to gather more information.

Emily was no longer the helpless fiancee; she was a woman on a mission, ready to uncover the truth and protect the man she loved.

She suddenly put a call through requesting to see me. I could tell from her look, she's upset standing at the front door as I finally interjected.

"What's the matter Emily, and why the strange look?" I asked politely.

"You know what really matters and it will be nice if you take my advice in order not to regret your actions".

"What do you mean? What advice are you talking about?".

"It's better if you end the contract with Mr. Clifford and resist marrying her daughter".

"This shouldn't scare you any more Emily, I thought we have talked about this".

"Your life is more important than that money, Richard, there's danger ahead of you".

"What danger are you talking about? Nothing could be more dangerous than being poor".

"I've all the proof about him".

"Proof?". I paused for a while contemplating my thoughts.

"The proof about the death of Olivia's mother, I knew Olivia and her father were involved in this act".

"What do you mean, do you have any evidence?".

"Sure I've, I checked through online and saw some hidden videos that were leaked after I hacked through Mrs. Sophia's account. I saw all that I needed".

"Wait a minute, who's Mrs. Sophia?".

"Mr. Clifford's wife, Olivia's mother".

"This is unbelievable, how do you do that?".

"Have you forgotten I'm good at operating the system"

"You deserve an applause, so what do we do now?"

"Let's get them arrested since we have evidence".

"No that won't be possible the poor can't fight the rich with wealth, even if we get them arrested they have the money to bail themselves"

"So what other plans do you have?".

"I can bargain with them using this evidence as a threat, in that case I won't be forced against my will in marrying that nuisance called Olivia".

"That sounds interesting, I hope it works"

"Sure it will". I concluded.

My life had become a whirlwind of meetings, legalities, and constant tension. The stress was overwhelming, and I felt isolated.

One day I received an unexpected call from Emily I wondered what she might have uncovered this time. Her voice was calm and determined.

"Richard, we need to talk,". She said.

We met at a secluded park away from prying eyes. Emily handed me a folder with documents.

"I've been digging into Clifford's past". She explained. "There's more to this than we realized".

My eyes widened as I read through the papers.

Emily had uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that linked Clifford's business to illegal activities.

Olivia's involvement was more dangerous that we had imagined. I felt a surge of gratitude and admiration for Emily.

We are in this together now, with renewed determination, we devised a plan to expose the truth and protect ourselves from the looming threat.

Our alliance strengthened our resolve and we prepared for the confrontation ahead.

Have been trying to reach out to Mr. Clifford but his contact wasn't reachable due to the fact he is out of the country for business meetings.

I believe he's a little bit more understandable than his daughter.

Discussing personally with him will save a lot of stress if only he would listen to my demand and grant my request of not approving the marriage contract.