Confrontation.

Olivia's Pov.

When Mr. Clifford returned from his business trip, I was waiting in his office for his arrival. I became expectant as my heart pounded In fear.

I stood beside him with a pale and determined face.

"Dad", I began with a trembling and slightly voice. "There's something you need to know about Richard".

"I don't think there's anything special about him because I know him too well".

"There's a secret he has been hiding that you need to know".

"A secret?". Mr. Clifford eyes narrowed, his usual calm demeanor shifting to one of concern.

"What's it Olivia?". He asked with an urgent tone.

"Richard has evidence about the death of my mother". I explained in grief.

"Your mother died in a ghastly accident, so what evidence are you talking about?".

"No, Richard has evidence of the death of my mother.

"Olivia you know I'm just returning from my trip and this shouldn't be a welcome speech".

"I know Dad and I'm sorry if I'm bothering you but the truth is there's evidence that revealed us to be the killer".

"Can you listen to yourself Olivia what has come over you? Have you forgotten your mother is my wife and I love her so much what makes you think we're involved in her death?".

I took a deep breath to explain everything. Describing Richard's threat, the document he had which showed evidence of her death. And how Richard intends to use it against us. My father's expression hardened with every word.

I could see the anger in his face, simmering beneath the surface, like a storm ready to break.

My father leaned forward, his finger steepled under his chin.

"Show me this document," he demanded.

I pulled out a folder from my bag and handed it to him.

He opened it, his eyes scanning the content quickly but thoroughly. The room was silent except for the rustling of papers.

"How do you get this folder, Olivia,?

"It was a smart move and I stole it from Richard".

"That's awesome, he has no evidence again so we need not to be bothered about such".

"There's more to these, he has the document and possibly some other folder".

"We need to act fast, don't worry I know how to get him".

I watched his face trying to gauge his reaction. As he scanned through the folder again with his clenched jaw.

"This is serious". He muttered more to himself than to me. "How did Richard get this?". 

I shook my head. "I don't know, Dad. But he threatened us with it". He said he'd go public if we didn't meet his demands".

My father closed the folder and set it on his desk, his eyes meeting mine.

"We need to confront Richard".

"How do we go about it? Please Dad don't reveal anything to him yet so he won't look for ways to escape".

"Don't worry about that, trust me I know what I'm doing".

He picked up the phone and dialed Richard's number. His hand was steady but I could see the tension in his posture.

"Richard, this is Mr. Clifford, I need you to come to my office immediately". He said, his voice cool and authoritative.

There was a pause as Richard responded on the other end. 

"No it's not a request it's an order,". Mr. Clifford continued, his tone brooking no argument.

He hung up the phone and looked at me. He will be here in fifteen minutes". He said as I exchanged glances.

I knew this confrontation could go in many different directions, none of them were predictable. We needed to be ready for anything.

The next fifteen minutes felt like an eternity. Mr. Clifford paced the room, his thoughts clearly racing.

I sat on the couch, the silence heavy between us, I could see the worry in his eyes, mirroring my own.

"Do you think he will try to deny it?". I asked quietly.

My father shook his head, "Richard isn't stupid he knows something is wrong he always keeps to time but now I sense something fishy".

"I thought as much, Dad, maybe he has another plan".

"No matter how hard he tries he can never run away with it".

"Then we've to act fast before it is too late".

My father stopped pacing and suddenly looked at me. 

"No matter what happens we have to stay united", He said firmly. "Richard thrives on division; we can't let him exploit any weakness". 

I nodded in agreement, steeling myself for the confrontation ahead.

The sound of footsteps approaching the study made my heart race. The door opened and Richard stepped in, his expression unreadable.

"Good morning Mr. Clifford, glad to have you back". He nodded curtly.

Mr. Clifford didn't return any greetings.

"Richard sit down,". He said motioning to a chair across from his desk.

Richard compiled, his gaze shifting between me and my father.

"I assumed this is about the document". He said, his voice calm. 

"You assume correctly, but you know what to do to avoid risking my life in danger".

"And what does my life have to do with this?".

"You know the answer yourself, give me the file and document and free yourself from danger".

"This is getting out of hand sir, I just want to be free from the trap of marrying your daughter".

Mr. Clifford replied, sitting down as well. "You've to explain why you felt the need to threaten my family with it?".

Richard leaned back in his chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "It's quite simple, I needed leverage".

Mr. Clifford's eyes narrowed. "Leverage for what, exactly?". He asked, his voice icy.

Richard shrugged. 

"To secure my position within the company. To ensure my interests are protected, and nothing will happen to my life and the life of my fiance if I refuse the marriage contract". 

"Richard, don't start what you can't finish, you're doing things the wrong way, remember how I found you and embrace the opportunity in front of you".

Richard learned forward with a hardened gaze. 

"Your wife was involved in some ...questionable activities. I merely gathered the evidence."

Olivia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.

Mr. Clifford's face turned red in anger. "How dare you speak about my wife that way," He growled.

She is dead and cannot defend herself. You're using her memory to manipulate us and I will not stand for it".

Mr. Clifford became angry and quickly dialed a mysterious number, this left Richard wondering who could be on the other end of the call.