Chapter 14: Secrets and Deception
#Brian's Perspective
Brian woke up with Niva still nestled against him, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the turmoil they faced. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness.
As he got ready for the day, his thoughts were consumed with the plans Victor had shared. He knew they needed to act quickly to counter Catherine's moves. But there was another concern lurking at the back of his mind—Emma.
Brian: "Good morning, love."
Niva stirred and smiled at him, her eyes still sleepy.
Niva: "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
Brian: "Better than I have in a long time. Thanks to you."
He kissed her forehead and then took her hand.
Brian: "We need to stay strong and united. Catherine will try to exploit any weakness she can find."
Niva nodded, her expression determined.
Niva: "We will. Together."
Emma's Perspective
Emma felt a pang of guilt as she prepared to meet with her mother. She had to play her part perfectly, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to deceive Niva and Brian, especially now that she had started to see Brian in a new light.
As she entered the study, Catherine was already there, reviewing documents and plotting their next move.
Catherine:** "Emma, we need to finalize our strategy. Have you managed to get any useful information from Brian or Niva?"
Emma hesitated, but she knew she had to maintain her façade.
Emma: "Not yet, Mother. They're being very cautious. But I'm getting closer."
Catherine's eyes narrowed, a hint of suspicion in her gaze.
Catherine: "You'd better be. We can't afford any mistakes."
Victor's Perspective
Victor sat at his desk, reviewing the latest intel on Catherine's activities. He knew she was planning something big, but the details were still murky.
He called a meeting with Brian and Niva to discuss their next steps. As they gathered in his office, he laid out the latest developments.
Victor: "Catherine is targeting your financial backers. We need to secure their support and ensure they're aware of her schemes."
Brian nodded, his expression serious.
Brian: "We'll need to meet with them. Show them the evidence we have."
Niva added, her voice steady.
Niva: "And we need to keep an eye on Emma. She's been too quiet lately."
Victor agreed, knowing that Emma's loyalty was a critical factor in their plan.
Emma's Perspective
Emma was torn between her loyalty to her mother and her growing feelings for Brian. She knew she had to make a decision soon, but the thought of betraying her mother was almost unbearable.
As she walked through the garden, lost in thought, she overheard a conversation that made her blood run cold.
Catherine: "We'll strike when they least expect it. Brian and Niva will lose everything."
Emma's heart raced as she realized the extent of her mother's plans. She had to warn Brian and Niva, but how could she do it without revealing her true intentions?
She made up her mind, knowing it was time to take a stand.
Niva's Perspective
Niva felt a sense of unease as she walked through the house. Something was off, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She decided to find Emma and see if she knew anything.
She found Emma in the garden, her expression troubled.
Niva: "Emma, is everything okay?"
Emma looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination.
Emma: "Niva, there's something you need to know."
Before Emma could continue, they heard a noise behind them. They turned to see Catherine standing there, her face a mask of anger.
Catherine: "Emma, what are you doing?"
Emma's face paled, but she stood her ground.
Emma: "I can't do this anymore, Mother. I won't help you destroy Niva and Brian."
Catherine's eyes blazed with fury.
Catherine: "You ungrateful little… You'll regret this, Emma."
Emma took a deep breath, her voice steady.
Emma:" No, Mother. The only one who will regret this is you."
Niva watched in shock as Catherine lunged at Emma, but she quickly stepped between them, holding Catherine back.
Niva: "Stop this, both of you!"
Catherine glared at Niva, her expression venomous.
Catherine: "You think you've won, don't you? But this isn't over."
Niva felt a chill run down her spine, knowing that Catherine wouldn't give up easily. But she also felt a renewed sense of determination. They would fight, and they would win.
Brian's Perspective
Brian received an urgent call from Niva, her voice filled with tension as she explained what had happened with Catherine and Emma.
Niva: "Brian, we need to meet. Emma has something important to tell us."
Brian's heart pounded as he drove home, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. He knew they were in for a fight, but he also knew they had something Catherine didn't—love and loyalty.
As he entered the house, he saw Emma and Niva waiting for him, their expressions serious. He took a deep breath, ready to face whatever came next.
Brian: "Okay, Emma. Tell us everything."
Emma nodded, her eyes filled with resolve.
Emma: "My mother is planning to ruin you, but I won't let her. I'm with you, no matter what."
Brian felt a surge of gratitude and hope. They had a long road ahead, but they would face it together.
Niva took his hand, and he squeezed it reassuringly.
Brian: "We'll fight back. And we'll win. Together."