Chapter 12: The Conspiracy Unfolds

Kate's POV

With its tiny watermark tormenting me, the document rested on my desk. Lucas's business is L. Hayes & Co. I kept staring at it, my thoughts whirling with all the possible outcomes. What was the extent of his relationship with Simon's father? Had Lucas and Simon's relationship always been a battleground, or had they ever been allies? I became dizzy with doubt as the questions kept coming up.

I unfolded the papers and looked about for additional secret messages. The timings were not consistent. Here was evidence that Lucas and Simon had crossed paths years prior in ways I couldn't ignore, despite Lucas's insistence on his contempt for Simon. Lucas' whole story of "protecting me" would have turned into something much darker if he had been complicit in the transaction that destroyed my family.

"How much of this have you lied about, Lucas?" I whispered to myself as my chest began to fill with rage. At best, my faith in him had been shaky, but now it seemed broken.

I went to a high-stakes business dinner that night. I couldn't get rid of the uneasiness that was bothering me, even though it was meant to be a chance to network with influential people in the sector. The clinking of glasses and whispered chatter filled the room, but I felt alienated since my thoughts were still caught up in the web of secrets involving Lucas and Simon.

Then Vanessa showed up.

She walked up to me with her trademark sneer, a glass of champagne in her hand as if it were her preferred weapon. "Kate," she whispered pleasantly, raising her voice loud enough to catch everyone's attention. It's very good to have you here. Are we still riding Simon's coattails?

I tensed, clutching my glass more tightly. "Pardon me?"

Vanessa went on, her voice brimming with fake sorrow, "Oh, don't play coy." "Everyone is aware of your small agreement with Simon. Climbing the ladder with his name? I'll give it that it's ingenious. But isn't it a little... transparent, in your opinion?

As more people turned to face us, the room became quieter. The weight of her words caused my heart to race, but instead of contracting, something within me exploded.

I spoke steadily and loudly than I meant to, saying, "You know, Vanessa, it's funny how you always seem to find time to tear others down." Perhaps you would be useful for something other than gossip if you focused more on your work and less on me.

Laughter rippled through the audience. I briefly noticed a glint of rage in Vanessa's eyes as her smirk wavered. However, she bounced back fast, raising her glass in a fictitious toast. I trembled with adrenaline as she said, "Touché," and turned to leave.

Simon arrived up at my apartment later that evening. The creases on his face were deeper than I remembered, and he appeared exhausted.

He entered without waiting for an invitation, saying, "We need to talk."

"Now what?" I crossed my arms and asked. "Are there any other secrets you neglected to share?"

With a groan, he combed through his hair. "I have been looking into Lucas."

I was interested in that. "What?"

After taking a document out of his bag, Simon took a seat. "Lucas is not the person he claims to be. After researching his ties, I've discovered that he has been planning many of the media attacks on me. He wants to damage you just as much as he wants to harm my reputation.

I scanned the documents as I opened the folder. They contained bank transactions, emails, and even minutes of Lucas's contacts with influential members of the media. It felt overpowering, but it was damning proof.

"What would he do?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Simon explained, "Because he's always wanted what I have." "And now you're included in that."

My spine tingled at what he said. Simon, what are you saying?

With a strong tone, he answered, "I'm saying Lucas has been playing you, Kate." He has been attempting to portray himself as the hero while trying to turn you against me. However, it's all a lie.

I was unsure about what to believe. Simon was now presenting me with evidence of Lucas's manipulations, whereas Lucas had previously shown me evidence of Simon's misconduct. I had the impression that I was being drawn in two directions, each of which was equally deadly.

I sat by myself in my flat after Simon left, feeling the burden of the day bearing down on me. My phone buzzed just as I was pouring a glass of wine for myself. It came from an unidentified number:

You'll regret it if you continue to dig.

My blood froze. I felt exposed as I glanced about my apartment. Who was the sender? Was Lucas involved? Vanessa? Someone else?

I gripped my phone hard as my gut twisted with anxiety. But there was another element present in addition to the fear: resolve. Whoever was responsible for this wanted me to back down and keep the truth hidden. However, I was unable to achieve it. Not right now.

I inhaled deeply, bracing myself. I muttered to myself, "They're wrong if they believe they can frighten me."