Chapter 6: The Real Story

Kate's POV

The gala was elegantly sparkling. The soothing buzz of music filled the room as the chandeliers above glistened like stars. However, anxiety simmered underneath the glitz. When Vanessa strolled over, her grin keen and her movements deliberate, my already unsettled heart just grew more so.

She purred, her voice brimming with phoney tenderness, "Kate." "You look beautiful tonight. Having fun at the event?"

I tensed, clutching my glass of champagne. Vanessa, what do you want?"

She grinned broadly. Oh, merely a cordial discussion. Unfortunately, Simon didn't tell you everything.

My chest constricted. "What are you discussing?"

With mischievous glints in her eyes, Vanessa cocked her head. "Did he not explain to you why he broke up with you two? Darling, it was more than just ambition. His family needed to be shielded from a scandal. He concealed some... untidy realities.

My face was emptied of blood. "What is the scandal?"

Her voice trailed off to a whisper of conspiracy as she leaned closer. To put it mildly, his family's hands aren't as spotless as you might imagine. To avoid dragging you into it, Simon called off your engagement. Isn't it noble?"

As her words set in, the surrounding crowd appeared to blur. I shook my voice and said, "You're lying."

"Am I? Vanessa shot back, her face arrogant. "Ask him yourself. Or better yet, ask anyone here. Everyone knows Simon Blackwood acts dirty when it suits him."

Whispers and stares flew toward me, and the room seemed to get louder. I felt ashamed and exposed. My hands trembled as I placed my glass on a nearby table and turned away from Vanessa, desperate to escape the eyes.

I didn't get far before Simon came up to me. "Kate, wait! His voice was anxious as he called.

I whirled around, my rage erupting. "Is it accurate? I made a demand. Did you hide a controversy to keep your family safe? Was it the reason you ended our engagement?"

Simon's mouth clenched. "It isn't what it seems."

Then give me an explanation," I yelled. "Because it seems like Vanessa is currently more aware of your behaviour than I ever was."

He paused, looking into my eyes. Indeed, a situation existed. However, that wasn't what she was portraying it as. To keep you safe, Kate, I put an end to everything. I didn't want you to get involved in my family's problems.

"What a mess! I raised my voice and asked. "What do you not tell me?"

"It's complicated," he said in an imploring tone. "You must have faith in me, even though I am unable to explain everything at this time. I completed it for you.

I stepped back and shook my head. Have faith in you? You keep keeping things from me, so how can I trust you?"

He reached for my hand and whispered, "Kate, please," but I resisted.

"No," I firmly said. "I'm done listening until you're prepared to tell me the whole truth."

With a racing heart, I turned and left. Both the pain in Simon's voice and the embarrassment I had when Vanessa told me his secrets persisted in my memory.

Lucas discovered me drinking a glass of water and attempting to quiet my racing mind while I sat by myself in a corner of the ballroom. He smiled casually as he approached, yet there was a hint of caution in his face.

"Hard night? He sat down next to me and asked.

I laughed without a sense of humour. "That's something you could say."

His tone was cautiously sympathetic as he stated, "Vanessa can be ruthless." "However, she's not incorrect about Simon."

I gave him a quick look. "What are you saying?"

Swirling the beverage in his glass, Lucas shrugged. Simon is a complex individual. Though his business tactics aren't always clean, he has done a lot of good. And the background of his family? Let's assume that he is extremely private for a purpose.

Why are you stating this to me? I narrowed my eyes and asked.

He stated plainly, "Because you deserve to know what you're getting into." Vanessa may be causing trouble, but she is only half the issue. Kate, Simon's past is tainted with darkness. Take caution.

His comments made me shiver, but I wasn't sure if it was because Lucas was so persuasive or because they felt real. I answered warily, "Thanks for the caution.

He gave a small smile. "Just keeping an eye on you."

However, I couldn't get rid of the impression that Lucas had a personal agenda when he left. Was he only a participant in this complex game or was he genuinely attempting to keep me safe?

I finally gave myself permission to breathe as the gala came to an end. I was itching for the night to end since it had been a roller coaster of emotions. However, I saw something strange when I reached for my luggage.

There was an envelope in the side pocket. I scowled as I took it out and opened it. A single sheet of paper with the following typed sentences on it chilled my blood:

Learn more about Simon Blackwood's business. You'll discover more than you anticipated.

The sender was not identified, and there was no signature. I folded the note and slipped it back into the envelope, my hands shaking. This was sent by whom? What were they aware of?

I looked around the room in hopes of seeing someone I knew, but everyone was occupied with their chats. I felt like no one was observing me. The uneasiness in my chest, however, would not go away.

I had more questions than answers after the gala. Lucas' warnings, Simon's partial facts, Vanessa's charges, and now this anonymous letter all suggested the same thing. No matter how difficult it was, I had to find the truth.

With the package in my hand, I silently vowed as I went out into the crisp night air. I would investigate further. I would discover Simon's secret. And until I learned the truth, I wouldn't give up.