From Betrayal to Forever

Kate's POV

The next morning, I sat in my apartment with a steaming cup of coffee, my laptop open in front of me. My thoughts were racing with queries, uncertainties, and tidbits of the discussions from the previous evening. Lucas, Simon, and Vanessa were all hiding something. Whoever left me that anonymous note was also now.

After some hesitation, I picked up my phone. I discovered Emma Carter, an investigative journalist and former college buddy while scrolling through my contacts. Emma was the one who could delve into Simon's business.

Before her recognizable voice answered, the line buzzed. "Kate! It has been a long time. How are you?"

"Hi, Emma," I murmured, my voice a little weak. "I need a favour," And it's really large.

"You've got my attention," she said in an inquisitive tone. "What's happening?"

I inhaled deeply. "It's about Simon Blackwood's company. I must be informed of any scandals, legal actions, or unethical behaviour. I also need to know if it has anything to do with the transaction that ruined my family's business.

The person on the other end paused. Are you certain you want to look into this, Kate? Simon is an extremely strong man, and Blackwood Enterprises is a beast.

"I'm sure," I firmly stated. "Please, Emma. I must know the truth.

"All right," she said in a serious tone. "I'll get to work excavating. Let me have a day or two.

With a wave of relief, I murmured, "Thank you."

However, uneasiness took hold of my chest as I hung up. There would be no going back once I opened this door.

Simon texted me later that afternoon to ask if we could have coffee. I needed explanations, but I also wanted to ignore him. I only agreed because I was curious to hear his side of the story and to see if I could expose him for lying again.

Simon was already at the café when I got there, and he looked way too controlled and polished. I walked over to him, and he pulled out a chair for me.

His voice was quiet as he continued, "Thank you for coming."

I crossed my arms and sat down. "Simon, this has to be worth my time."

He retrieved a folder from his briefcase and slid it over the table. These records demonstrate my years-long efforts to tidy up my father's mess. I was unaware of the bargain that had harmed your family until it was too late. And after I did, 

I opened the folder and interrupted, saying, "Stop." The financial statements, internal documents, and meeting minutes all appeared authentic. But something didn't feel right as I turned through them.

"These dates don't match," I said, referring to a three-year-old note. Why does this paper imply that you were involved from the start if you learned about this after the fact?"

Simon's face wavered for a second before he straightened out. "That is an error. It's not what it appears to be.

I forcefully closed the folder. You always use it as an excuse, don't you? "It isn't what it appears to be." How can I trust you?"

He raised his voice a little and replied, "Because I'm telling you the truth." "Kate, I've tried everything I can to resolve this. You don't realize what I've given up.

I retorted, getting to my feet, "And you have no idea what my family lost because of you." "Don't get in touch with me again until you're prepared to stop lying."

With my heart racing, I left, avoiding the looks of other customers. Both Simon's words and the contradictions in his story persisted in my thoughts. I was determined to learn why he wasn't telling me everything.

I was trying to concentrate on my work back at my studio when the door opened. Lucas entered with his ever-charming smile. I thought the two men in suits behind him were possible investors.

"Kate," Lucas greeted her. "I hope we're not disturbing you."

I forced a smile as I responded, "It would have been nice to have a little warning."

He motioned for the men to sit and answered, "Spontaneity keeps things exciting." "This is Kate Williams, the talented designer I've been raving about, gentlemen."

I tried to ignore the knot in my stomach as I shook hands with the investors. Lucas skilfully presented my work throughout the conference, portraying me as the upcoming fashion sensation. However, he changed the subject just as I was beginning to unwind.

"Of course," Lucas remarked, leaning back in his chair, "we have to address the elephant in the room. Kate's previous connection to Simon Blackwood.

My heart stopped beating. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everything," Lucas said effortlessly. "These gentlemen need to know that your work stands on its own, free from any influence or controversy tied to Simon. Especially considering his participation in your family's… difficulties."

The investors looked at each other uneasily. What part? One of them inquired.

Lucas grinned broadly. To put it mildly, Simon hasn't always operated in an ethical manner. The fact that Kate overcame such obstacles makes her ascent to success all the moreremarkable.

I clenched my fists under the table, fury bubbling inside me. Lucas had twisted the narrative to suit his agenda, planting doubts about my reputation while pretending to support me.

I rounded on Lucas once the investors had left. "What on earth was that?"

In a gesture of faux innocence, he held up his hands. "I was assisting. They required assurance.

Through entangling Simon in this? I yelled. "And implying that I'm tied to his mistakes?"

Lucas' expression clouded slightly. "I'm protecting your interests, Kate. You should be thanking me."

I scowled at him, losing faith in him. "Never again pull a stunt like that."

He gave a small smile. "Noted."

I was tidying up my studio that night when my phone rang with a text from an unidentified number:

I have evidence of Simon's treachery. Come see me at 6 PM tomorrow. I'll provide for all of your needs.

I stared at the message, my heart pounding. Evidence? What did they know, and who was this person? A part of me wanted to disregard it, but I also felt that I had to seize this opportunity.

I quickly typed back: Where?

Almost immediately, the coffee shop on Fifth and Main was the answer. Come by yourself.

With my head whirling, I sat down. They said they had answers for whoever this was. But could I rely on them? Was this another ruse, or what?

As the tension builds for her next meeting, the chapter closes with Kate staring at her phone, caught between fear and hope. What evidence do they have of Simon's treachery, and who is the enigmatic sender?