Chapter 11: The Trap Closes**
Clara immediately rejected Richard’s bribe, throwing the folder back in his face. But Richard had already set his malicious trap into motion.
The following morning, proprietary acquisition files from Sterling Capital were mysteriously leaked to the press. Stock prices plunged. Board members panicked.
Julian stormed into the mansion, his face pale with fury and betrayal, holding security footage that showed Clara in his study the night before—where she had merely been returning a fallen storybook.
"Is this who you really are, Clara?" Julian demanded, his voice cracking with heartbreak. "Was all of this just a calculated play for money?"
"Julian, no! Look at me!" Clara cried out, her eyes shining with honest tears. "I would never betray you or the boys!"
May you like
Before she could explain, Leo stepped between them, spreading his arms wide to protect Clara. "Don't yell at her, Dad! She didn't do it!"
---
