Chapter 4 - The Retaliation and Truths Revealed
The next morning, the Boston tabloids were in a frenzy. News of the canceled engagement had leaked, and Vivien’s family was doing everything they could to spin the narrative.
They released statements claiming Nathaniel was unstable, that he had thrown Vivien out over a minor household dispute, and that his business dealings were corrupt. Vivien even appeared on a local news segment, playing the victim, her eyes watery as she claimed Nathaniel had a "dangerous temper."
In his high-rise office downtown, Nathaniel watched the broadcast with a cold expression.
His lead investigator, a sharp woman named Marcus, stood across from his desk. "We have the footage from the ballroom security cameras, Mr. Callaway. It clearly shows Vivien deliberately setting fire to the basket and pushing it into the hearth."
"Release it," Nathaniel said simply. "Release it to every major news outlet. Let the world see exactly who Vivien Marsh is."
"And her family's logistics company?" Marcus asked.
"Initiate the hostile takeover. By the end of the week, I want her father removed from his position, and I want their assets frozen. If they want to play dirty in the press, I will show them what a real fight looks like."
While his team dismantled the Marsh family empire, Nathaniel turned his attention to a more important task.
He contacted a master toy restorer in New York. He sent them high-resolution photos of Lily’s burnt bunny, which he had secretly salvaged from the fireplace. He instructed them to spare no expense, to find the exact materials, and to rebuild the toy to look exactly as it had—mismatched denim patches and all.
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He also made a call to his real estate manager. "The staff cottage behind the mansion. I want it completely renovated. New heating system, new windows, new furniture. And do it quietly while Grace and Lily are out."
Nathaniel was a man of action, and for the first time in his life, his actions were driven by something other than profit. They were driven by a desire to protect the two people who had quietly crawled under his skin.
