Chapter 19: The Ultimate Betrayal

Clara didn't sleep that night.

Julian's proposal echoed in her mind like a haunting melody—enticing, dangerous, filled with possibility. She'd spent so long climbing alone, fighting every battle in silence. The idea of having someone at her side, someone powerful, someone who understood the battlefield of business and betrayal... it was tempting.

But something didn't sit right.

The next morning, she had her tech team dig into Ashcroft Enterprises' recent activity. What they found chilled her.

A secret meeting. Documents exchanged. A shell company tied to one of the Whitmores.

Julian had been in contact with them.

Confrontation wasn't her style—but betrayal? That demanded truth.

She stormed into his office without warning. He was on the phone, looking unbothered, smug even.

"You lied to me," she said coldly, throwing a folder onto his desk.

He ended the call slowly. "Clara—"

"You fed them information. You were playing both sides."

"I did what I had to do to protect my empire," he said, rising. "I offered you a future. Don't act like you didn't consider it."

"I trusted you," she snapped. "And you used it like everyone else."

He leaned forward, voice low. "That's how this world works, Clara. Love is just leverage."

Her chest burned—but her resolve turned to steel.

Then I'll never love again, she thought.

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