Chapter 3 Surprise Meeting

Kate's POV

I had no desire to be here.

Despite the beautiful gowns and chandeliers, I felt uncomfortable and clung to the edge of the gathering in the ballroom. Calling it "networking," Anna insisted that I go, but all I could think about was getting away with it.

Then I caught sight of him. Simon.

After skipping a beat, my heart began to pound so loudly that it was deafening. His broad shoulders and assured posture demanded attention as he stood by the drinks table. My head cried out for me to move, but my feet froze.

Then he turned. My eyes met his brown ones.

"Kate," he exhaled as he moved forward.

My feet were planted, even though I didn't want to speak to him. He was ahead of me by the time I had the strength to turn aside.

"You see... "Amazing," he murmured, in a softer tone than I had anticipated.

I folded my arms. "Simon, hold off on compliments. I have no interest in it.

He appeared to be in anguish. "Just listen, please. I erred.

I laughed resentfully. "A mistake? Was it a mistake to publicly humiliate me and discard me for your ambition?"

He clenched his jaw. "You're not getting it. Vanessa-"

I yelled, "Don't you dare blame someone else." "You made a decision. Accept it.

Simon slumped his shoulders. "Kate, I didn't mean to hurt you."

"It's too late," I answered icily. "I've had enough of you."

Ignoring the knot in my chest, I turned and left. I could feel his eyes following me from behind, but I chose not to turn around.

I took refuge in a peaceful nook close to the rear of the space. I inhaled deeply to ease the tightness in my chest. I didn't need to collapse here.

"Hard night? A recognizable voice inquired.

I turned to see Lucas Hayes, who immediately put me at ease with his warm brown eyes and easy smile.

I tried to smile and said, "You could say that."

"I witnessed what transpired," he added softly. "Don't you think Simon has a way of making things a mess?"

I scowled. "Do you know Simon?"

Lucas leaned cheerfully against the wall and nodded. "Our paths have crossed. To put it mildly, I'm not a huge admirer of his.

He spoke in a gentle tone, but his eyes were piercing.

More to myself than to Lucas, I muttered, "He says he regrets what he did."

Lucas gave a gloomy laugh. He does, of course. However, Kate, you owe him nothing. Power, success, and someone as sincere as you are all things that people like Simon believe they can have. Refrain from allowing him to pull you back into his world.

I turned to face my hands. "I have no intention of doing so. However, it's challenging. He was everything I believed I desired.

Lucas whispered, "Then perhaps it's time to desire something better."

His remarks had a reassuring quality, and I felt less alone for the first time in a long time.

Simon's annoyance boiled over as he barged into his office. He couldn't stop thinking about Kate's expression. Her expression showed the agony he had caused her, and it broke his heart.

"Mr. With a packet in hand, his aide cautiously responded, "Sinclair." "On Lucas Hayes, we discovered something."

Simon grabbed the document and opened it. His frown became deeper with each page as his eyes skimmed the materials.

"A personal grudge? He whispered something under his breath.

The assistant said, "Yes, sir." Lucas seems to hold you responsible for his father's company's demise years ago. He had been waiting for an opportunity to exact revenge.

Simon's hand gripped the folder more tightly. And he's using Kate now?"

"It seems to be," the assistant said.

Simon muttered an expletive. He couldn't allow this to occur. Kate was unaware that she was falling into a trap, and Lucas was hazardous.

"I want to know every move Lucas makes. If you must, follow him," Simon said.

"Comprehensive, sir," the assistant said, hastily leaving the room.

Simon ran a hand through his hair while leaning back in his chair. Even though Kate detested him for it, he had to defend her.

My phone was vibrating nonstop when I woke up the following morning. I reached for it while groggy, but my stomach fell as I noticed the alerts.

"The Controversial Past of Rising Designer Kate Dawson Revealed."

I could see the headline everywhere on the internet. With trembling hands, I opened the article. It was full of false information, including made-up tales about my relationships, charges of stealing designs, and even assertions that I had defrauded Simon of his money.

With my heart pounding, I muttered, "No, no, no."

I nearly dropped my phone when I heard a knock on the door.

"Kate? Are you all right? Anna was the one.

Tears were running down my face when I opened the door. "Have you noticed it?"

With a dark grimace, she nodded. It can be found anywhere. Kate, this is awful.

"Who would harm me in this way? I sobbed as I collapsed on the couch.

Anna put a hand on my shoulder as she sat next to me. "You'll overcome this. All we have to do is identify the culprit.

But I already knew in my heart.

As I gazed at my phone and read the hateful words that splattered across the screen again, the room whirled. The walls seemed to be closing in on me, and my chest constricted.

More to myself than to Anna, I muttered, "This can't be happening."

Anna firmly replied, "Kate, you need to stay calm," her voice piercing my whirlwind of ideas.

"Slow down? I retorted, raising my voice. "They're accusing me of being a fake! Someone who digs for gold! When my entire reputation is being tarnished, how am I supposed to remain composed?"

Anna paused. "We'll investigate this further. Perhaps... Perhaps it's not as horrible as it looks?"

I let out a loud laugh. "Not that bad? People trust what they read, Anna. Before I ever have a chance, this might ruin me!"

There was a long pause before my phone buzzed once more. Another headline that appeared made my heart sink even more:

"Sources Verify: Lies Are the Foundation of Kate Dawson's Design Career."

I was so upset that I threw the phone on the table.

Anna's eyes narrowed abruptly. "Hold on a second..."

"What? I croaked, hardly able to be heard.

Scanning the article, she reached for the phone. Take a look at this particular detail. Whoever released this was privy to private information that only a close relative could know.

My stomach rumbled. It was a gut punch of a realization.

I had been betrayed.

And one name sprang to me as I relived the previous few weeks' events, giving me a chilly chill.

Vanessa.

How far, though, would she go to ruin me?