Between Love and Lies

As Ivy Harper drove through the congested streets, her thoughts racing with the day's events, the buzz of her motor car filled the quiet. Along with the mysterious text message that was suddenly at the front of her mind, Adrian Cross's remarks played back in her mind:

"Stop investigating Adrian Cross, or you'll regret it."

It was sent by whom? Was it an admonition from a supporter of Adrian, or a danger from one of the numerous adversaries he had undoubtedly amassed during his quick ascent to prominence? And why bring her in?

In her head, the questions were a never-ending hum that overpowered everything else. She looked at her phone, which was resting on the passenger seat. The screen was black, but it was still mocking her in some way.

She reminded herself to concentrate.

Her destination appeared: a shiny skyscraper that was home to Hale Industries, the business owned and operated by Victor Hale, Adrian's current opponent and former Mentor . If anybody had the motivation to send that text or sway the story against Adrian, it was Victor. She didn't want to draw any hasty judgments.

Ivy was met by the overpowering grandeur of the foyer as she parked and entered the building. The gleaming glass walls mirrored her every step, and the marble flooring shone under the chandeliers. With a tight-lipped smile, a receptionist called upstairs to meet her. A sleek, silent elevator brought Ivy to the top level a few moments later.

Victor Hale was waiting just as the doors opened.

He held out a hand and said, "Ms. Harper." Although his grin was warm and his grasp was powerful, his polished appeal had a noticeable edge. Victor, dressed immaculately in a fitted gray suit, radiated the assurance that comes with decades of authority.

Ivy shook his hand and said, "Mr. Hale." Following him inside his office, which was as extravagant as the guy himself, she faked a kind smile.

Victor's office, in contrast to Adrian's simple layout, was a temple to success and fortune. Framed honors, pictures of powerful people, and bookcases brimming with opulent-looking literature dotted the walls. A huge window behind his desk provided a dominating perspective of the world he obviously believed to be his own, overlooking the metropolis.

As they sat down, Victor remarked, "I was surprised to hear from you." When they are sniffing around Adrian Cross, most journalists are too scared to knock on my house. However, you're unique, aren't you?

With her notepad in her lap, Ivy maintained a neutral expression. "I think it's important to hear both sides of an issue."

Victor leaned back in his chair and laughed. "An uncommon quality nowadays. However, let me spare you the trouble—anything Adrian has said about me is most likely false.

With her pen poised, Ivy added, "He hasn't told me much about you." "Just that disagreements caused your association to dissolve."

Victor's smile wavered briefly before coming back with more vigor. "Disputes. To phrase it that way is one method. Without a question, Adrian Cross is a clever man, yet greatness sometimes accompanies conceit. He believed he was self-sufficient. He believed he was free to choose his own rules.

"And you didn't approve of his tactics?" Ivy inquired.

Victor put his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. Assume for the moment that I am acquainted with Adrian Cross. The guy behind the headlines and the charm. He is not who you believe him to be.

"What am I supposed to think?" Ivy pushed.

Victor took a tiny folder out of a drawer and handed it over the desk to her. "Take this first."

After a little pause, Ivy opened the folder. Contracts, bank papers, and emails documenting a deal that CrossTech reportedly ruined and lost Victor millions of dollars were found inside.

With a low, conspiratorial voice, Victor remarked, "That's just the tip of the iceberg." "People like me helped Adrian build his empire. Those who had faith in him.

As Ivy looked over the papers, her heartbeat accelerated. If they were authentic, they presented Adrian's ascent to power in a negative light. However, she felt worried with Victor's mannerisms.

She gently closed the folder after saying, "This is compelling." However, why offer me this right now? What is your point of view?

Victor grinned more broadly. "Ms. Harper, I have no angle. I just think it's important to tell the truth. Adrian has been deceiving people into believing he is a hero for far too long. The world needs to see him for who he truly is.

"And you're just doing this because you're good at heart?" Unable to conceal the cynicism in her voice, Ivy questioned.

Victor's smile persisted even as his eyes contracted. To put it mildly, I have a stake in justice. Adrian Cross was pushed down a peg or two by this.

Ivy got up and gripped the folder. "I appreciate your time, Mr. Hale. I'll give this a thorough assessment.

Victor stood up and remarked, "I'm sure you will." "Be careful, Ms. Harper," he said in a tone that was almost mischievous as he led her to the elevator. Investigating Adrian Cross can be risky.

Before she could respond, the elevator doors slid closed, leaving her to think alone.

Ivy returned to her apartment and laid out the papers on her coffee table while keeping her laptop open next to her. The folder seemed heavier now, as though it contained Adrian's soul in addition to paper.

She compared the data to her own study, searching for any patterns or inconsistencies that would support or refute Victor's assertions. She was both delighted and uneasy by the fact that some of it matched. However, there were discrepancies and gaps that aroused concerns.

She was increasingly conflicted as she probed further. The evidence against Adrian was damning, on the one hand. On the other hand, it was too practical. Almost as if he had been waiting for her to knock, Victor had given her everything she needed to ruin Adrian.

She was startled out of her reverie as her phone buzzed. Half anticipating another mysterious warning, she picked it up, but it was a call from an unidentified number.

She paused before responding. "Hello?"

A deep, well-known voice answered. "Ivy. Adrian is here.

A beat skipped across her heart. "How did you obtain my phone number?"

Adrian said, "I have my ways," in a composed although slightly sinister tone. "We must speak. Right now.

Ivy's chest constricted. "Why? What is happening?

Adrian said simply, "Victor." He's attempting to entice you to play his game. And you will become his pawn if you are not careful.

She couldn't tell Adrian that her own uncertainties were reflected in his remarks. "Why should I have faith in you? He provided me with concrete proof of your actions.

"You don't believe Victor Hale has his own skeletons?" Adrian fired back. Ivy, he's playing tricks on you. You're too intelligent to allow him to use you in this way.

Between them, a thick, oppressive silence hovered. "Meet me," Adrian replied at last. I will answer all of your questions, just not on the phone. Before choosing whom to believe, you must consider the complete picture.

"Where?" Ivy's question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Adrian hesitated. "My lake home." Tomorrow morning. Alone.

Ivy felt her stomach turn. It was risky to meet Adrian in private, out of the city's protection. But she would have to take a chance If she desired the truth.

"All right," she responded, sounding more composed than she actually felt. "But Adrian, you'd better have answers."

"I will," he said. "and Ivy? Be careful who you trust.

Ivy was left alone in her apartment's dark light when the line died. The choice weighed heavily on her as she gazed at the papers arranged in front of her.

Two guys, two different truths. And there was only one way to know which was authentic.