chapter 14:MARISSA’S BLACKMAIL 

Ivy's POV

The chandelier above glitters like a thousand stars, sending sparkling shadows across the dance floor. The charity event is in full swing, with laughing and clinking drinks ringing around me. My smile is set, practiced, but my stomach twists with dread. I can feel her before I even see her. Marissa. 

She moves toward me like a hunter stalking prey, her crimson dress a sharp contrast to the beauty around her. Her steps are intentional, her eyes locked onto me. When she reaches my side, she leans in, her breath warm against my ear. 

"Fancy seeing you here, Ivy." Her voice is sweet, but the venom underneath is obvious. 

I turn, my heart rising, and meet her cool stare. "Marissa." I keep my tone even. "What do you want?" 

She smiles, holding up a sleek black case. "Oh, nothing much. Just a little... insurance." 

My eyes drop to the folder, my breath quickening. "What is that?" 

Marissa laughs, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Inside this folder are documents detailing a financial... oversight on your part. Remember a few years ago? That small cash you put out to help Nathan? You know, the one you never reported?" 

A shiver runs down my spine. I thought no one knew about it. I'd been trying to help Nathan while he was in trouble, and I made a mistake—one I hid so deep I believed myself it would never emerge. 

My voice sinks to a whisper. "How did you get that?" 

"Oh, Ivy," she purrs, her look arrogant. "You should know by now—I have my ways. And I must say, it's amazing what one can find when they know where to look." 

I look around, fear seeping under my cool mask. "What do you want?" 

Marissa's grin expands. "Simple. Sabotage Griffin's forthcoming merger. Leak the plans, create enough damage that the transaction falls. Do that, and this little secret of yours remains between us. Refuse, and... well, I'm sure the board—and Griffin—would love to hear how irresponsible you've been." 

"You're insane," I hiss. "I won't betray him." 

Her eyes narrow, her words falling to a dangerous tone. "Then I'll destroy everything you've worked for. Griffin will never trust you again. Nathan? He'll be drawn into the debate too. Is that what you want?" 

My heart beats as I analyze my options. I can feel the walls closing in, the trap clamping shut around me. I could fight back, but Marissa's comments touch at my deepest worries. Griffin has always been cautious of his company, of his image. If he finds out I've been hiding anything like this, it might break everything between us. 

"You're bluffing," I reply, but my voice trembles slightly. 

Marissa raises a single brow, taking her phone from her bag and holds it up. "Shall we test that theory? I could send these things to Griffin right now. He could be in the middle of his lesson, but I'm sure he'd find time to read something so... enlightening." 

My hand flies out, grabbing her wrist. "Don't." 

She tilts her head, feigning surprise. "Oh? Feeling helpful now?" 

"Why are you doing this?" I demand, my grasp tightening. "What do you get out of ruining his life?" 

Her grin falters for a second, a flash of something darker passing across her features. "Griffin owes me. He stole everything from me, and now it's my time to take it back." 

"It's not his fault you couldn't hold onto what you had," I snap. 

Her eyes flash with anger. "Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea what Griffin is really capable of. He's not the guy you believe he is. He'll betray you just as he deceived me. The only difference is I'm giving you a chance to get ahead of him before it's too late." 

I feel the room spinning, the weight of her words pressing down on me like a trap. There's something more hidden behind her venom—a fact I can't ignore. 

"I won't do it," I reply, my voice firm now. "You won't force me to betray him." 

Marissa takes a step back, her grin returning. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you." She waves the folder one more before putting it back into her bag. "You've got 48 hours to reconsider. After that... well, let's just say things will become very interesting." 

She goes away, her heels tapping on the marble floor, leaving me standing frozen in place. My palms are clammy, my heart pounding so fast it seems like it would explode out of my chest. 

I scan the room, seeking for Griffin, anxious for something—anything—to anchor me. He's on stage, his deep voice filling the area as he talks about the charity's aim. He looks cool, controlled, strong. Completely unaware of the storm forming only a few feet away. 

I can't let this happen. I can't let Marissa ruin all we've built. But how can I stop her without playing into her hands? 

Suddenly, I feel a touch on my shoulder. I swivel around to see Nathan standing there, worry written across his features. 

"You okay?" he says. "You look like you've seen a ghost." 

I force a grin. "I'm fine. Just... tired." 

Nathan's eyes narrow. "Who was that woman you were talking to? She didn't appear friendly." 

"Just someone from the charity," I lie. "Nothing to worry about." 

But Nathan's too attentive for his own good. He crosses his arms, watching me. "You sure? Because it looked like she was frightening you." 

I sigh, my shoulders dropping. "It's complicated, Nathan. But I'll manage it." 

"You don't have to handle everything alone," he adds calmly. "I can help." 

I shake my head. "Not this time. This is extremely dangerous." 

His jaw tightens. "It's about Griffin, isn't it?" 

I don't reply, yet my silent screams loud. Nathan's eyes deepen. "If she's coming after him, we need to fight back. We can't let her win." 

"I know," I talk. "But we have to be smart about it. One false move, and she'll annihilate us." 

Nathan seck his head, resolve to flare in his eyes. "Then we'll outsmart her." 

I want to believe him. I want to think that we can find a way out of this problem without everything crashing around us. But deep inside, I know this is only the beginning. 

The game has changed. The stakes are bigger than ever. 

And time is running out. 

Later that night, I sat in the dark living room, the city lights sparkling outside the window. The folder Marissa showed me stalks my thoughts, its presence a ticking time bomb. I know I should tell Griffin everything, but the words clog in my throat every time I try. 

My phone buzzes, and I grab it, half-expecting another message from Marissa. But it's a different number this time. 

You're not the only one with secrets. Trust no one did you hear me?

My breath catches as I read the message again. 

The phone slips from my hands, and for the first time, I wonder whether the real threat isn't Marissa…but the lies that have been hidden for far too long.