C4 Revelation

Ivy is sitting on James’s lap , his hands on her hips as she leans in to nuzzle his neck.

"We did it ! Congratulations on getting on everything you wanted ."

Ivy says handing him a glass of wine.

"I have to admit, there were times I wasn’t sure we could pull it off."

"We were playing the long-game, baby. Patience, remember ?"

"Oh I remember you hatching this scheme with me years ago, but there were times I didn’t see how we could possibly get the shares we needed."

"I told you that I planted that seed with the power of attorney."

"I’m sorry I ever doubted your brilliance."

"I learned the long-con from the best of the best."

My chest feels tight as the implications of what I just heard sink in. They have been betraying me for years !

I gasp for air, and Riley picks up the remote and turns down the volume.

"Are you okay ?"

"I am not okay. How could I be okay after seeing that ?"

"No, I guess not. It was just something to say."

"James and Ivy are celebrating my downfall, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it."

"Do you want to keep watching ? We can stop at any moment, if you are not feeling well. I just received this video too. They’ve actually been planning an elaborate scheme from start to finish."

"I want to know the whole truth but I can’t breathe. I need a break."

"As you please."

Five minutes later, Riley turns the volume back up and my fingernails dig into my palms as I watch my ex- husband and ex- best friend celebrate destroying me.

"Did you see her face when she realized what you did ? I would have killed to be there when she saw the news live."

"I know you are confident, but we came so close to losing everything last night."

Ivy rubs his arm and leans in to kiss his cheek.

"But we didn’t. It still worked. Even if we didn’t get to go through with the entire plan. The kinky sex would’ve been a nice touch, though."

"You’re sadistic. But that’s what I love about you."

As the two of them kiss, I feel my inside churns.

"It’s not like she didn’t deserve it. And it would’ve been perfect since she was passed out. She never would’ve known until the video leaked."

"The easy part was getting her there. She fell for everything perfectly."

"What was that Riley guy doing there ? What’s up with that ?"

"I don’t know but that has definitely impacted our ability to tarnish her reputation beyond any chance of redemption."

"We just need to switch tactics. Trust me . I know what I’m doing."

It is all too much. Too much information, too much betrayal, I find myself feeling faint, and the edges of my vision are darken.

I realize I’m lying across Riley’s lap and quickly shove myself up.

"Are you okay ?"

"What happened ?"

"You just sort of went limp for a second."

I shove my still damp hair out of my face and my heart slowly begins to return to a normal rate.

"I know it was hard to watch, but I think it was important for you to see it with your own eyes."

As I work through the events of the past twenty four hours , I sense something isn’t right . Something beyond just my plotting exes.

"I have some questions. So many questions. Starting with I know I was passed out last night, but I also know someone was in my bed. Was that you ?"

"Yes but ,it’s not what you think. I know this looks bad , but please hear me out."

"I’m listening ,but you better not lie to me. I’ll know if you do."

"It wasn’t a coïncidence that I ended up in the room next to yours last night."

"I didn’t think so. Why were you there ? Are you part of Ivy and James’s plot ?"

"No. Of course not ! But I’m not a total stranger. I’ve actually known you for a while."

"I’m sorry, what ? I think I’d know If I was friend with the world’s most eligible bachelor. Can you pull over please ?"

Riley directs the driver to pull to the curb.

I yank open the door and flee the car, dodging cars as I put as much distance between me and Riley’s limousine.

My head is spinning with all the information. So much so, I don’t pay any attention to where I’m going.

"Hey lady, get the hell out of the road."

A driver shouts at me.

I dodge out of the way just in time, but accidentally step into the path of another vehicle.

A car Is coming straight at me , its tires screeching against the ground as it slows. But my mind is blank , and I don’t even know to move my feet.

Maybe that’s how it ends for me, just dying like this….

Before I can process the situation, Riley yanks me from the street and pulls me gently into his arms at the curb. Maintaining a polite distance, he soothingly pats my back , and I…

"God ! You scared me here for a second !"

Because of anxiety , his chest is heaving intensely.

My tears are almost pouring out. He just saved me for the second time.

"Thanks for saving me ! I owe you."

After he’s sure I’m okay, he turns to get back in the limousine, but he pauses and pivots back to face me.

"I’m here any time. For whatever you need."

He hands me a business card with his name neatly embossed on it with his contact information.

"I know who James and Ivy really are. I can help you take them down and get your company back."

"Thanks ! I really appreciate the offer, but I need to process everything first. It’s been a rough twenty-four hours."

"Of course. But If you decide you want my help, all you need to do is ask."

As I watch Riley’s limousine pull away and maneuver into the traffic, the most important thing lingering into my heart is to my grandma. I hope everything is good.

I rush into the hospital at the fastest speed , even though only a few hours have passed since my last visit.

"Hi ! I’m looking for my grandmother, Susan McKenzie."

"Oh ! Mrs Linda right ? Susan is still in the middle of the surgery. Please take a moment to rest here, and we’ll inform you right after it’s done."

I take a seat on the comfy sofa, sensing that every ounce of energy in my body has been sucked dry.

How did I go from being a wealthy heiress and CEO of the family business to losing everything in less than a day ?

I fix my gaze on Riley’s business card , now crumpled in my hand , as the conversation I had with him in the car replaying in my mind.

Is he my life savior ? Or my next tormentor ?