Chapter 4 Increasing Tension

Kate's POV

Through my window, the sun's warmth was filtered, but it was insufficient to warm the pit of my stomach. Every few minutes, my phone buzzed on the table with notifications that I was too scared to check.

Anna looked up from her computer screen. It's all over the news, Kate. People are leaving the display in droves. Some customers have gone so far as to cancel their orders.

To maintain a steady voice, I bit my lip. "How many?"

She paused before responding. "So far, four. However, it's just morning.

My heart fell. Four might have easily passed for forty.

I sank onto the couch and said, "Anna, I worked so hard." "Why does it seem like I'm losing control of everything?"

With a forceful tone, Anna knelt next to me. "Kate, you're stronger than this. Keep them from winning. We will find a solution.

A harsh knock rang through the flat before I could answer. Uncertain of who it might be, I scowled.

When I opened the door, Lucas was standing there with an unusual expression of concern in place of his customary charm.

"Lucas?"

I've heard about the scandal, Kate. Are you alright? His tone was gentle, almost too sympathetic.

My feelings were too intense to conceal, so I moved aside to let him in. "At this moment, I wouldn't exactly use the word okay."

With a solemn gaze, he nodded. "I read the articles. Someone is attempting to ruin you; this is more than simply poor headlines. However, you don't have to deal with this alone. I'd want to assist.

I folded my arms. "What makes you want to assist me?"

"Because I think you're talented," he said plainly. "And because nobody should have their dreams taken in this way."

Anna's brows narrowed as she stared from the kitchen. "Mr. Hayes, what precisely are you offering?"

Lucas paid no attention to her, only to me. "Resources. Attorneys. PR experts. I'll do whatever it takes for you to fight back.

Too wonderful to be true, it seemed. However, what option did I have?

One of the few things I couldn't cancel without drawing additional attention to myself was going to a charity banquet later that day. I tried to blend in by wearing a plain black gown, but the rumours followed me everywhere.

"Kate."

I froze as I heard the familiar voice. Simon was standing a few steps away, appearing calm as ever, when I turned around.

His voice was low as he said, "I need to talk to you."

My patience was already getting thin, so I sighed. "Simon, I'm not in the mood."

"This is crucial," he emphasized, taking a step forward. "It concerns Lucas."

I arched an eyebrow. "How about him?"

Simon's mouth clenched. Kate, he's not who you believe him to be. He is taking advantage of you.

I kept my voice cool and folded my arms. "Making use of me? For what purpose?

"To reach me," Simon stated plainly. "You are merely a pawn in his game, and he harbours resentment toward me."

I sneered. "Obviously. You are the focus of this, aren't you? Have you ever considered the possibility that Lucas might genuinely want to assist me? Something you didn't do.

His gaze grew gloomy. "Kate, that is unfair."

I yelled, "What's unfair is that you believe you have the authority to tell me who I can and cannot trust." "Simon, you made your decision. Keep out of my life.

His voice grew softer as he inhaled deeply. "I'm attempting to keep you safe."

I firmly stated, "I don't need your protection," and turned away. "No longer."

I could feel his eyes following me as I left, but I chose not to turn around.

The following day, pictures of Simon enjoying a fancy dinner with his arm around Vanessa made headlines. Without holding back, the subtitles read, "Simon Clarke's Secret Romance Revealed!"

My heart sank as I gazed at the computer for reasons I couldn't quite comprehend.

Anna's attitude was stern as she looked over my shoulder. "Vanessa seems to be making a move."

"What is her point of view?" I whispered.

Anna shrugged. She desires authority. And Simon is her key to success.

Simon, meanwhile, was pacing wildly in his office. He slammed his phone down on the desk and shouted, "This was a setup."

With her heels clicking on the floor, Vanessa walked in. "Don't be so theatrical, Simon. It's merely some publicity.

He scowled her. "You believe this to be a game?"

Unconcerned by his rage, she grinned. "It's not my fault that you're so easily influenced."

He cautioned, "You won't get away with this."

Her smile was piercing as she leaned closer. "Who will prevent me? You? Simon, you have to face it. You are unable to defend yourself.

I sat in my flat that night and gazed at the drawings I had been working on before the crisis. My inspiration seemed like a faraway recollection.

My phone flashed up with a notification. There was only one attachment in the anonymous email.

"The Truth About Vanessa and Lucas" was the topic line.

I opened it, trembling my fingers. A number of pictures and documents that served as evidence of their covert meetings and plots were found inside.

Looking over my shoulder, Anna looked. "Where did this originate?"

I answered, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper, "I don't know."

However, it was obvious that the sender wanted me to defend myself.

And I experienced a glimmer of hope for the first time in days.