Chapter 10: Father’s Confession

Kate's POV

Gerald Blackwood asked to meet at a quiet, private restaurant. It was the kind of atmosphere where secrets remained, hidden beneath years of hushed discussions. I saw him right away as I entered, my heels clicking on the shiny wood floors.

The tight lines on Gerald's face bore the weight of his legacy as he sat at a corner table. His sharp suit shouted power and riches, but there was something more in his weary eyes. Perhaps guilt. Or remorse.

He stood up to greet me and said, "Kate Williams," "Thank you for coming."

I answered sharply, "You didn't leave me much of a choice." What would you like to share with me?"

He motioned me to take a seat. After some hesitation, I moved into the chair across from him. Gerald said in a calm, low voice as he leaned forward. "I'll save you time. I was the mastermind behind the deal that ruined your family.

Even though I had suspected it, my stomach fell. Hearing that confirmed was like a punch to the belly. "Why? With a trembling voice, I asked.

He stated plainly, "It was business." "The business owned by your family stood in the way of a necessary purchase. Getting rid of it was... essential.

My hands squeezed beneath the table. "For a business deal, you destroyed lives."

Without flinching, he nodded. "I won't try to defend it. However, you must be aware that Simon was not involved. He was unaware of what I was doing until it was over.

And I'm expected to accept that? I yelled.

Gerald's eyes remained fixed. "You are, indeed. Although Simon has made many errors, this was not one of them. He has been tidying up the mess I left behind for years. Even though you may despise him, don't do it because of this.

I was unsure of how to react. I had a part that wanted to believe him, to cling to the notion that Simon wasn't as involved as I had thought. A part of me, however, questioned whether Gerald was merely shielding his son by fabricating a story that cleared Simon of responsibility.

"Why now tell me this? Finally, I asked.

Gerald's expression slightly softened. "Because I can see how this is affecting you both." Kate, you deserve the truth. Use it however you see fit.

My thoughts were racing as I walked out of the restaurant. Instead of providing clarity, the revelation created more questions. Could I believe Gerald's account of what happened? In all of this, was Simon innocent?

My phone buzzed before I could process it. The screen was filled with a series of messages from friends and coworkers. Words like unlawful activity, controversy, and Simon Blackwood jumped out at me.

I opened a new link and felt my stomach churn. Vanessa had struck again. This time, she'd released a scathing narrative to the media, presenting Simon as the mastermind behind many illicit dealings. The piece was replete with half-truths and outright lies, but the harm was done. The media frenzy had begun, and Simon's name and mine by association were all over it.

My phone rang, and I answered without looking. "Hey?"

"It's Emma, Kate," my buddy who works as a journalist stated. Her voice sounded urgent. "Are you alright?"

"Not really," I acknowledged. "Did you see the article?"

"I did. It's bad, Kate. Very terrible. Your relationship with Simon is already bringing your name into the discussion.

With the situation's weight bearing down on me, I closed my eyes and asked myself, "What should I do?"

"For now, stay low," she suggested. And watch who you put your trust in. If you're not careful, this kind of behaviour can destroy careers.

Lucas wasted no time in getting involved in the mayhem. That afternoon, he arrived at my studio with a determined yet worried look on his face.

He muttered, "Kate," and shut the door after him. "I'm so sorry about all of this. The media can be brutal."

"Tell me something I don't know," I answered, attempting to keep my tone neutral.

He drew closer, his voice softening. "I know this is overwhelming, but you need to think about what's best for you. Severing ties with Simon might be the only way to defend yourself."

I looked at him fiercely. "Severing ties? You want me to just abandon him?"

Lucas emphasized that it is not abandonment. Self-preservation is the reason. Simon's past is coming full circle, and if you don't watch out, it will also bring you down.

Even though what he was saying made sense, there was something about his tone that unnerved me. It was control, not only worry. Lucas was attempting to guide and influence my decisions rather than give me advice.

Finally, wishing to cut the talk short, I said, "I'll think about it."

Lucas gave me a nod, but his gaze stayed on mine for too long. "Kate, I'm just attempting to assist. Keep it in mind.

I sat down after he departed, feeling exhausted. With each day that went by, Lucas's assistance became increasingly apparent as a trap. However, sticking by Simon felt just as dangerous.

When Simon arrived at my studio, it was late. When I heard the knock, I was trying to divert my attention from the chaos by drawing. He was waiting there with a worried expression on his face when I answered the door.

Surprised, I answered, "Simon." "Why are you in this place?"

He said, "I had to see you," and entered. "Are you alright? Have you been bothered by the reporters?"

I answered, "I'm fine," but that wasn't quite accurate. "How about you?"

He chuckled bitterly. It's a complete disaster. Because of Vanessa's lies, people now believe that I am a criminal mastermind.

"How do you want me to handle this? I crossed my arms and asked.

His eyes were full of desperation as he gazed at me. "Kate, I want you to do nothing. I simply need your belief in me. Despite my mistakes, I'm not the monster she portrays me as. Let me demonstrate it for you, please.

"How? My voice was softer than I meant when I asked.

With firmness, he answered, "I'll find a way." "I'll clear my name and shield you from the consequences." You have my word.

The scepticism persisted even though I wanted to believe him. It was impossible to sort through all of the evidence, the charges, and the manipulation from all sides.

I muttered, "I'm not sure if I can trust you, Simon."

He didn't protest, but his face sank. "Then allow me to gain your confidence," he continued. "Until I do, I will not stop."