(Kate's pov)
I unexpectedly entered Simon's office, my shoes clicking on the smooth marble floors. The receptionist, who was perhaps too shocked to speak, had hardly attempted to stop me. Although the opulent atmosphere exuded authority, I wasn't there to take in the interior design. I came here to get answers.
Simon glanced up from his desk in surprise as I pulled open the thick oak door to his office.
"Kate?" Although he sounded shocked, his demeanour swiftly changed to one of caution. "Why are you in this place?"
I wasted no time. I threw the document packet onto his desk and shouted, "Explain these."
As Simon took them up and turned the pages, his brows wrinkled. His face showed nothing for a minute, but suddenly his jaw tensed. "Where were these purchased?"
I yelled, "That's not the question." "I would like to know why your company's name appears on all of the documents related to my family's financial collapse. Did you have any involvement in it?
His massive frame seemed instantly more formidable as he stood. "Kate, I was unaware of this. I had nothing to do with your family at all.
I refused to back down and crossed my arms. "You think I'll believe that? After all? Simon, it's just too coincidental.
"It's not a coincidence," he stated in a firm yet low voice. "I promise you, it wasn't me, but I'll find out who did this."
His defensiveness only fueled my anger. "You're telling lies. Simon, you've lied before. How am I to believe anything you say?
His eyes flashed with pain as his expression wavered for a moment. "Although I am aware of my errors, this is not one of them. You must trust me.
I said, "I don't have to believe anything." I pivoted and raced out of his office, leaving him standing there, clearly upset. I couldn't allow myself to care, though. No more.
Lucas always seemed to show up when I least expected him to. That afternoon, he asked me out for coffee, stating he wanted to discuss my upcoming collection. I hesitated but agreed. After the encounter with Simon, I needed a diversion.
"You look tense," Lucas commented as we sat down at a pleasant café. "Rough day?"
I faked a grin. "You could say that."
He drank his coffee, examining me with those piercing eyes of his. Simon Blackwood has a reputation, you know. He is driven by ambition, but it frequently comes at a price.
I gripped my cup more tightly. "What are you attempting to express?"
Lucas lowered his voice and leaned forward a little. "I'm telling you to exercise caution. Clean hands weren't the foundation of Simon's success. It may be a mistake to trust him.
His comments made me shiver, but I wasn't sure if it was because Lucas was so persuasive or because they seemed real. "Do you have evidence?" With a harsh tone, I asked.
He gave a little smile. "Not the type you're seeking. But consider it, Kate. Is that risk something you can truly afford to take?
My gut twisted at the way he said it. It appeared like Lucas always knew just how to sow doubt, and it was doing its job. I couldn't rule out the idea that he was acting on his initiative, though.
Simon asked me to supper that night. I wanted to say no at first, but something about the way he asked got me to change my mind. Perhaps his tone was milder than normal. Or perhaps I simply needed clarity badly.
The restaurant was elegant but intimate, far away from the flashy places Simon normally visited. I couldn't help but observe how different he appeared as I sat across from him. A little less polished and more human.
His voice was genuine as he replied, "Thank you for coming."
I answered, "I'm not here for pleasantries." "Get right to the point if you wish to speak."
He inhaled deeply and nodded. Kate, I am aware that I have harmed you. I am aware that you have every reason to despise me. However, I wish to put things right.
I sneered. "And just how are you going to accomplish that?"
He took a tiny envelope out of his pocket instead of responding. This is an official partnership contract. Your next collection will be sponsored by my firm. There are no conditions.
Stunned, I gazed at him. "What makes you do that?"
Simply said, "Because I believe in you." "And because it's time for me to prioritize the dreams of others over my own."
I was taken aback by what he said, but what stunned me was what followed. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to make a toast," Simon said as he got up and lifted his glass to the entire diner. To the most gifted designer I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, Kate Williams. Fashion as we know it will be redefined by her next collection.
My cheeks burned with shame as the crowd erupted in applause. Simon smiled slightly as he sat down again. "It's your turn," he teased.
To comprehend what had just transpired, I shook my head. "You're crazy."
"Maybe," he answered. But I also mean it when I say that I will stand by you, Kate. I'm hoping you'll allow me to demonstrate it.
My phone buzzed later that night as I lay in bed mentally reliving the evening. Even though I didn't recognize the number, I answered.
"Hello?"
Vanessa's cool, collected voice could be heard over the line. "Kate, my love. I felt that we should have a brief conversation.
My heartbeat accelerated. Vanessa, what do you want?
"Oh," she answered calmly, "it's not about what I want." It's about getting what you're due. Additionally, I believe you should be aware of Simon's true nature.
I sat up, holding onto the phone. "What are you discussing?"
She ignored my inquiry and replied, "See you tomorrow." "I'll tell you all about it. You'll want to hear it, I promise.
I felt a chill go down my spine at her tone. "What makes anything you say credible?"
She chuckled. Because I have nothing left to lose, my love. And once you learn the truth, you won't either.
My pulse was pounding as I stared at my phone when the line died. What was Vanessa going to divulge? And why did I feel as though my entire world was going to collapse?