Chapter 3 - The Web of Betrayal
By sunrise, the storm had broken over the city.
The high-definition video of Isabella Rossi attacking Khloe Thorne inside the luxury hospital suite leaked to every social media platform and national news channel. Within two hours, it was the most viewed media asset on the internet. The public outcry was instantaneous and furious. The image of a high-society heiress brutally kicking a pregnant woman sparked outrage across the globe.
In the executive suite of Thorne Global, Marcus sat behind his obsidian desk, surrounded by his top legal and financial advisors. Across from him sat Jonathan Vance, the firm’s chief legal counsel, holding a thick leather folder.
"The Rossi patriarch, Victor Rossi, has called your personal line seventeen times," Jonathan reported. "He’s begging for a private meeting before the formal arraignment this afternoon."
"Let him beg," Marcus said coldly, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the skyline. "What is the status of their holdings?"
"Because of the leak and the immediate withdrawal of our supply agreements, Rossi Enterprises lost thirty-two percent of its market value in pre-market trading," Jonathan explained. "Their creditors are panicking. If we trigger the default clause on their shared logistics venture, they go bankrupt by Friday."
"Do it," Marcus commanded. "And what about the event coordinator, Elaine Parker?"
Jonathan pulled out a secondary file. "That’s where it gets interesting, Marcus. We pulled Elaine’s phone records and bank transfers over the past three months. She didn't just let Isabella into the VIP suite by accident. Isabella transferred two hundred thousand dollars into an offshore account registered to Elaine's sister last week."
Marcus’s eyes narrowed. "Elaine helped lure Khloe away from the gala floor."
"Precisely," Jonathan nodded. "Elaine orchestrated the timing, ensuring the security guards on that floor were reassigned to the main lobby for 'gala security' right before Isabella went upstairs. It was a setup from the beginning."
Marcus stood up, buttoning his jacket. "Have the police arrest Elaine at her home immediately. Ensure she is charged as an accessory to attempted murder."
Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Khloe was sitting up in bed, supported by pillows. Arthur sat beside her, handing her a warm cup of herbal tea. The room was heavily guarded by six private security contractors standing outside the doors.
"You look better today, Khloe," Arthur said softly. "Color is coming back to your face."
"I can't sleep, Uncle Arthur," Khloe admitted, holding her stomach gently. "Every time I close my eyes, I feel her shoe... I see her face. Why did she hate me so much? I never did anything to her."
Arthur sighed, setting his tablet down. "Isabella didn't just hate you, Khloe. She felt entitled to your life. For years, the Rossi and Thorne families talked about a merger through marriage. When Marcus chose you—a brilliant charity director from an humble family—instead of a corporate heiress like Isabella, her ego couldn't handle it. She convinced herself that if you were out of the picture, Marcus would naturally turn to her."
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Khloe’s hands tightened around her tea cup. "It wasn't just ego. It was madness."
"And now, that madness has destroyed her," Arthur said firmly. "She’s sitting in a holding cell right now, realizing that money can't buy her out of this."
