Chapter 71

After a couple of hours.

The mahogany-paneled study felt oppressive as Vivi, Damien, and Reginald gathered with their legal team. Papers scattered across the massive desk painted a disturbing picture of Ava's calculated infiltration into their lives.

"The financial records show suspicious transfers between shell companies linked to Romano Industries," the lead lawyer explained, spreading out bank statements. "Miss Parker appears to have been systematically gathering information while... getting close to Damien."

Damien's jaw clenched. The betrayal stung, even though his feelings for Ava had been superficial compared to what he felt for Vivi.

"That conniving little—" Reginald slammed his fist on the desk. "She was working for Victor this whole time?"

"The evidence suggests she's been his operative for years," another lawyer chimed in. "Her previous relationships all connect back to Romano's business rivals who subsequently faced financial difficulties."

Vivi watched Damien's face, seeing the mix of anger and hurt flash across his features. Her hand twitched with the urge to comfort him, but she kept her distance.

"What's our exposure?" Reginald demanded.

"Thanks to Mrs. Blackwood and Sophia's early detection, we've been able to prevent any major damage. However, we found concerning documentation suggesting Miss Parker was attempting to access sensitive accounts and contracts."

The lawyers laid out their defensive strategy - immediate cessation of Ava's access to any Blackwood properties or accounts, legal injunctions, and a possible counter-suit for corporate espionage.

"We need to move quickly," the lead lawyer advised. "Romano won't expect us to have uncovered this so soon. We have the advantage of surprise."

Reginald nodded grimly. "Whatever it takes. That bastard Romano isn't getting his hands on what I've built."

…

The tension crackled between Vivi and Damien as they found themselves alone in the study after the others left. Damien leaned against the desk while Vivi stood by the window, watching rain streak down the glass.

"I should have listened to you about Ava," Damien said, breaking the silence.

Vivi turned to face him. "You couldn't have known. She fooled all of us."

"Not you." His eyes locked with hers. "You saw right through her."

"Maybe I was just jealous," Vivi admitted with a small smile.

Damien pushed off from the desk and crossed the room to her. "Were you?"

"You know I was." Her breath caught as he stopped inches from her. "Every time I saw her touch you, it drove me crazy."

His fingers traced her jawline. "I thought about you. Even when I was with her, it was always you."

"Damien..." Vivi leaned into his touch. "What are we going to do?"

"About us?" He brushed his thumb across her lower lip. "I don't want to hide anymore. After this mess with Romano is handled, I want us to figure out a way to be together."

"Your father..."

"We'll deal with it. Together." Damien pulled her closer. "I'm tired of pretending I don't love you."

Vivi's heart skipped at his words. "You love me?"

"More than anything." He rested his forehead against hers. "Tell me you feel the same."

"I do," she whispered. "I love you too."

"Then we'll find a way," Damien said. "No more games, no more hiding. Just us, figuring out our future together."

…

Reginald's phone buzzed on the polished mahogany desk, interrupting his concentration as he poured over the latest financial reports. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing at the unfamiliar number. With a sense of foreboding, he answered the call.

"Reginald Blackwood," he said, his voice steady and authoritative.

A chilling laugh echoed through the receiver, sending a shiver down Reginald's spine. "Ah, Reginald. It's been a while. I trust you're enjoying your ill-gotten fortune."

Reginald's grip tightened on the phone as he recognized the voice. "Romano. What do you want?"

"I want to make a little deal, my old friend," Romano replied, his tone dripping with malice. "You see, I'm in a bit of a bind, and I think you might be able to help me out."

"I highly doubt that," Reginald sneered. "Why should I do anything for you?"

"Because if I go down, I'm taking you with me," Romano threatened. "I have some very interesting information about your past, Reginald. Information that I'm sure you wouldn't want to see the light of day."

Reginald's heart pounded in his chest as a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He knew exactly what Romano was referring to - the one crime he had committed and managed to keep hidden for all these years. If it were to be revealed, it would ruin him, both personally and professionally.

"What do you want?" Reginald asked through gritted teeth.

"I want you to call off your lawyers," Romano demanded. "I want you to let me walk away from this with my reputation and my fortune intact. In exchange, I'll keep your little secret safe."

Reginald clenched his jaw, weighing his options. He knew that if he gave in to Romano's demands, he would be letting a dangerous enemy go free. But if he didn't, he risked losing everything he had worked so hard to build.

"You have my word," Romano continued, sensing Reginald's hesitation. "I'll disappear, and you'll never hear from me again. But if you don't agree to my terms, I'll make sure that your darkest secrets are exposed for the whole world to see."

Reginald closed his eyes, his mind racing. He knew that he couldn't let Romano destroy him, but he also couldn't let him get away with his crimes. As he stood there, torn between his desire for justice and his need to protect himself, he realized that he had no choice but to make a deal with the devil.

"Fine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You have a deal."

Romano's laughter filled the air as he hung up the phone, leaving Reginald to face the consequences of his decision. As he sat there, staring at the now-silent receiver, he couldn't help but wonder if he had just made the biggest mistake of his life.