Chapter 7 - The Ghost from the Past
The fairytale was perfect, which meant it was doomed to be tested.
Two days after the gala, a tabloid magazine leaked a devastating headline: THE GOLD DIGGER'S SECRET: THORNE'S NEW FLAME CAUGHT SELLING CORPORATE SECRETS.
The article included grainy photos of Leah sitting in a diner with a man in a trench coat, handing him a thick envelope. The man was identified as Richard Sterling, the CEO of Caleb's biggest rival firm.
Caleb stormed into the estate’s library, throwing the magazine onto the desk. Leah recoiled at the sheer fury radiating from him.
"Explain this," Caleb demanded, his voice a dangerous growl.
Leah looked at the photo, her blood running cold. "Caleb, I... that’s my father. He’s an addict. He abandoned us years ago. He found out I was working for you and blackmailed me. I was handing him an envelope of cash to go to rehab and leave my sister alone. I didn't know he worked for Sterling!"
"He doesn't work for Sterling," Caleb snapped. "He’s a known corporate spy. My security team confirmed it this morning. Did you give him access to my study, Leah? Did you give him my mother’s medical records so Sterling can orchestrate a hostile takeover?"
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"No!" Leah cried, tears welling in her eyes. "Caleb, I love you. I would never betray you!"
The betrayal in Caleb’s eyes was agonizing. "Pack your bags," he said, his voice void of emotion. "You are leaving."
