Chapter 9: Shifting Loyalties

Kate's POV

In my hand, the picture felt heavier than it should have. I was tormented by the picture of Simon and Lucas's trembling hands, their grins as flawless as the fabric of their pricey suits. It was more than just business, whatever had brought them together. It was something more profound and much more concerning.

I confronted Lucas right away. I contacted him the following morning and insisted that he stop by my studio.

His charisma was as charming as ever, and he came on time. He greeted me with his recognizable smile and said, "Kate." Why is this so urgent?"

I carefully observed his face as I held up the picture. Something flared in his eyes for a moment, but he immediately covered it up with a shrug.

He leaned back in his chair and murmured, "Ah, that." That was so long ago. Hardly worth discussing.

Seldom worthy of mention? With a stern voice, I repeated. "Lucas, you said that you had nothing to do with Simon. However, this…" I pointed to the picture. "This indicates otherwise."

His expression changed to one of well-honed patience as he groaned. Kate, it was a short-lived partnership. Not much more. We collaborated on a project that ultimately failed. The story is over.

"So why didn't you inform me earlier? I pushed. "You gave the impression that you and him were entirely apart."

Lucas softened his tone and leaned forward. Since it was irrelevant. I didn't want my relationship with Simon to make you think less of me. Kate, I'm attempting to keep you safe. I've only ever desired that.

His defensiveness simply confirmed my suspicions, even though his statements were well-selected. I muttered, "I'm not sure I believe you."

His smile dimmed a little as he maintained eye contact. "Then perhaps you ought to consider why you are so inclined to put your trust in Simon rather than in me."

Lucas appeared to interpret my silence as a win because I had no response to that. Adjusting his suit jacket, he stood up. With ease, he said, "If you have any more questions, please let me know." "I'm always available to you."

I had the unshakeable impression that Lucas was concealing something much more significant than he had acknowledged as he left.

Simon called me later that day to invite me to his family's estate. After some hesitation, I consented. I had to see for myself if he had evidence that his father was responsible for the transactions that destroyed my family.

Every square inch of the expansive, chilly mansion screamed money and power. Simon greeted me at the door with a hopeful yet nervous look.

He led me inside and said, "Thank you for coming." "I want to show you the truth, even though I know you have every reason to doubt me."

We walked into a large library with bookshelves that appeared to be older than the two of us put together. Simon pointed to a desk with a few documents spread out on it.

He said, "These are documents from my father's tenure as the company's manager." You'll notice that he paused, his voice growing tense. He was merciless. It wasn't until years later that I realized how bad it was.

I walked carefully up to the desk and looked over the documents. They provided specifics on transactions, agreements, and tactics that demonstrated a man's willingness to ruin lives to get money. Evidence that directly linked his father to the transaction that destroyed my family was among them.

How come you didn't stop him? With a quivering voice, I inquired.

Simon sagged his shoulders. "Kate, I was young. Naïve. I believed I could make the necessary changes covertly without revealing my family. I realize now that I was mistaken.

His remorse looked sincere, but it didn't make the hurt go away. "You ought to have been honest with me right away," I remarked, taking a step back. "You gave me the impression that you were equally guilty instead."

The reason he broke his voice was, "Because I thought I could protect you." "My goal was to protect you from this mess." However, I now realize that I simply made everything worse.

I didn't answer. Although it took me some time to comprehend everything, the evidence did make one thing abundantly evident: Simon's father was the real mastermind behind the collapse of my family. How much of Simon's behaviour had been his own was the question.

I had just moved into my flat that evening when I heard a knock on the door. Lucas was standing there with an envelope when I opened it.

I raised an eyebrow and said, "Late visit."

He went inside and gave me the envelope, saying, "I thought you'd want to see this right away." It's a confession from a former worker of Simon's. It presents a really incriminating image.

I took the handwritten note out of the envelope. It described Simon's alleged machinations, ambition, and readiness to put others' needs ahead of his own. The words made my stomach turn, and they were sharp, nearly poisonous.

"Where did this come from? With a cautious tone, I inquired.

Lucas gave a small smile. "I have references. Let's just say that many people want Simon's true story to be revealed.

There was something strange about the letter as I read it again. The wording was too precise and too abrasive. Instead of telling the truth, it seemed to have been written to control me.

"It's convenient," I remarked, looking at Lucas. "Too handy."

He laughed. Kate, you're thinking too much about it. There are instances when appearances are exactly what the truth is.

But I wasn't certain. Lucas was pressing too hard, and I became even more wary of his persistence. I folded the letter, put it on the table, and said, "Thanks for bringing this." "I'll give it some thought."

"Don't take too long," he added in a light-hearted yet cautionary tone. "It will be more difficult to recognize Simon for who he truly is the longer you wait."

I couldn't get rid of the suspicion that Lucas's intentions weren't as good as he wanted me to think when he was leaving.

The phone call came just as I was about to go to bed. Even though I didn't recognize the number, I answered.

"Kate Williams? On the other end, a deep voice spoke.

"Who is this? With my heart racing, I inquired.

Gerald Blackwood is this person. Simon's dad.

I gasped. "What are you looking for?"

His voice was heavy with an unidentified substance as he stated, "To tell you the truth about my son." "Prior to it being too late."

Before I could reply, the line died, and I was left gripping the phone with my mind racing

Why now, and what truth might Simon's father possibly have to share?