Billionaire's Hidden Truth

Linda's POV

Something seemed strange as soon as I entered the meeting with the executives of the fashion house. The atmosphere in the room was strained, and their smiles stopped short of their eyes. Even though I had previously signed the contract, I was now uncomfortable.

With a cool, businesslike tone, the person in charge, Ms. Taylor, stated, "We've been looking at your designs, Linda." "And we've made the decision to make some adjustments."

Confused, I scowled. "Modifications? However, yesterday you gave your approval for everything.

Without looking at me, she nodded. Yes, however in the end, we don't think your style fits with our brand. A new designer will be hired to complete the collection.

My heart fell. We didn't agree on that, though. I agreed to build my own collection when I signed the contract.

Ms. Taylor had a flimsy, fake smile. "Linda, contracts change. You need to have paid closer attention to the fine print.

A sensation of betrayal swept over me. This was about damaging my reputation, not simply about my ideas. They were discarding me as if I didn't matter after using me.

With tears burning at the back of my eyes, I muttered, "I can't believe this." "You're just going to take my place?"

Ms. Taylor gave a shrug. "That's business. We will ensure that you receive a modest payment for your time, but don't anticipate receiving more.

The treachery weighed heavily on me as I stood there, motionless. I had been duped—I had fallen straight into Nathan and Daniel's trap, which had worked.

With my pulse racing with rage and frustration, I hurried home. Even more painful than the fashion house's treachery was realizing that Kevin's family was responsible.

I slammed the door behind me as I ran into the flat. As soon as I walked in, Kevin looked up from where he was sitting on the couch, looking over some documents.

"What's wrong, Linda?" His voice was laced with concern as he asked.

I didn't hold back. "What's the matter? I'll explain the issue to you! That fashion house transaction just misled me; isn't Nathan responsible?

Kevin didn't immediately respond, but his face hardened.

"Come on, Kevin!" I yelled, my voice trembling with rage. Why didn't you alert me about your brother's presence? How come you didn't stop him?

With a groan, Kevin got up and came over to me. Linda, I had no idea. I didn't anticipate him going that far.

"Really?" I crossed my arms and spat. "Because it appears that you have been shielding him all along." You allowed me to walk right into his trap even though you knew he was hazardous!

Evidently agitated, he combed his hair. "Linda, I'm not defending Nathan. I'm attempting to keep you safe.

I sneered. "A little defense. Your family has now destroyed my career. Kevin, you could have told me! There was something you could have done.

"I'm attempting to correct it!" he said, raising his voice for the first time.

"How? More secrets to keep? I exploded back, my anger exploding. "If all you do is conceal things from me, I can't continue to trust you."

Kevin's eyes flickered with pain as he stared at me. I'd rather not keep anything from you. However, there are complex aspects of my existence. It's not that easy.

"Well, it seems easy to me," I remarked icily. "You did nothing to stop your brother from ruining my life."

We were silent for a long, uncomfortable moment, and I could feel the distance between us widening. Regardless of my feelings for Kevin, his secrets were tearing us apart.

Following our disagreement, Kevin grew even more aloof. It seemed like there was an invisible wall between us when we were together since he was constantly leaving the flat and avoiding talks.

I confronted him once more one evening. "Kevin, you're moving away from me. Why? What do you not tell me?

He had his back to me as he stood by the window. "I'm attempting to keep you safe, Linda. You're in greater danger the closer you come to me.

I gave a disappointed shake of my head. "Stop stating that. I need you to be honest with me, not to protect me.

His look was solemn as he turned to face me. "I'm telling the truth. My family and my life are in disarray. Nathan won't give up, and the more you interact with me, the more he will pursue you.

"So pushing me away is your solution?" Hurt, I asked. "Kevin, it isn't safeguarding me. I'm just being hurt by it.

Kevin drooped his shoulders. "I am at a loss for what to do. I can't risk Nathan ruining you because of me because he's vicious.

"We can fight him together, Kevin," I murmured quietly as I moved in closer. "But if you keep excluding me, I can't accomplish this."

He gave me a conflicted look but remained silent.

We were in a suffocating quiet, and I knew that no matter how badly I wanted to get beyond his barriers, he would not let me. Perhaps he believed that separating himself would protect me, but it was just causing us to grow apart.

Daniel and Nathan, meantime, were rejoicing over their minor triumph. They had succeeded in their scheme, and I had been totally duped.

With a smug swig of whiskey, Nathan remarked, "I told you it would work." "Linda didn't even bother looking over the contract because she was so desperate for that deal."

Daniel leaned back in his chair and grinned. She was overly trusting all the time. Her industry reputation is now in ruins.

Nathan gave a gloomy laugh. Additionally, Kevin is too preoccupied with her to see the true situation. He is so consumed by his emotions that he is oblivious to the fact that we are gradually robbing him of everything.

"What will happen next?" Daniel swirled his glass and inquired.

Nathan had a malicious glitter in his eyes. "We hold off. Linda is crying, and Kevin is already tense. Everything will come apart if we just exert a little more effort.

With smug expressions on their faces, they clinked their glasses together. They believed they had prevailed and had effectively strained relations between Kevin and me.

They were unaware, however, that Kevin and I would not surrender easily.

Kevin's phone buzzed on the nightstand after he had gone to bed later that evening. I wouldn't have examined it normally, but the way it kept buzzing piqued my interest.

I saw a message from an unidentified number when I picked it up. As I read the words on the screen, my heart was pounding.

"I am aware of your true identity. It won't be long before everyone else follows suit. You cannot hide indefinitely.

My head was spinning as I gazed at the message. This was sent by whom? What was the topic of their conversation?

I looked at Kevin, who was soundly asleep next to me and oblivious to the danger that was hovering over him.

The sender of this communication was aware of Kevin's genuine identity, which he had been keeping from me the entire time.

I put the phone down, my heart pounding in my chest. What was Kevin hiding, and how much danger were we really in?