hapter 379 Clarissa Learned the Truth Behind the Kidnapping
After ending the call, Clarissa glanced at Charles, who stood at the doorway, frowning. She pivoted to face Charles. “Let’s get out of here.”
“You’re leaving already?” The door creaked open, and Caden poked his head out. He challenged, “Didn’t you say you wanted to marry me? Come on then–strip down so I can see what I’m getting. If I’m satisfied, I’ll let you in.”
Clarissa’s eyes blazed. “You’re disgusting.”
He was exactly that. A shameless jerk.
Charles stared at Caden sinisterly. “Are you sure you want to see?”
Caden felt a chill run down his back and hurriedly explained, “No, no, never mind–I don’t want to see anything, clothed or not!”
His boyfriend said nothing. Charles yanked him into his arm and warned him quietly, “You and the kids are not leaving this house for a while.”
Clarissa was not someone to be underestimated. Someone was clearly backing her. If she truly meant to harm Caden, Charles couldn’t take that risk.
Outside, Zev and Kelly’s car was already parked in the driveway. They saw Clarissa storming out in rage. “Word is you’re marrying Caden?” Zev called as he got out, looking smug. “Are you that desperate? You wanted me before; now change your target to him. Guess you have no standard at all, huh?”
Clarissa shot daggers at him, then glared at Kelly. “I know you’re both enjoying this, but don’t get too full of yourselves.
You
“Shawn’s lost control of the Wagner Group,” Kelly purposely provoked her. “You got kicked out of the Lockhart Corporation. No shares, no leverage. What a shame. All that scheming for nothing. If I were you, I’d be sick with frustration.”
“You think you’ve won, Kelly?” Clarissa snapped. “You’re a fool who can’t see the bigger picture. Shawn losing power is just temporary. And your little winning streak? Just as temporary. You think I’m down? If I go down, I’m taking you all with me.”
She spun on her heel to leave, but Kelly narrowed her eyes, processing Clarissa’s words.
“Temporary.” That’s how Clarissa described Shawn’s fall. And she wasn’t entirely wrong. Shawn was Patrick’s son–there was no way they’d keep him sidelined forever.
But then why was Clarissa rushing into a marriage? What was she protecting herself from?
And then it hit Kelly–Clarissa knew something. This knowledge provided her with a distinct adva…age. That explained her smugness–her jabs.
“You’re leaving already, Clarissa?” Kelly raised her voice mockingly. “You’ve done awful things–cutthroat, selfish, even had a baby just to get what you wanted. A woman like you… who’d even want you?” She shot Zev a look, and he jumped in/ eager to take his turn.
“Zev,” Clarissa said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, “you’re nothing. Not even a shadow of your
Chapter 379 Clarissa Learned the Truth Behind the Kidnapping
Finished
father. You couldn’t even figure out who killed your dad. You’re a joke. A failure. Who are you to look down on me?” Clarissa let out a laugh, cold and sharp, as she slammed the car door shut.
Her words resonated deeply. Zev lunged toward the car to kick it, but Kelly caught him just in time
Once the car disappeared down the road, Kelly leaned in and whispered, “I’ve got a theory, Clarissa’s hiding something huge–like maybe the truth about her dad’s death or who really orchestrated that international kidnapping years ago. It could be someone who betrayed her father.”
She hadn’t been certain–until now. Clarissa had name–dropped Sylvester when she was lashing out. That wasn’t random.
People have a way of using secrets they know to get under someone’s skin. It made them feel powerful. Superior
Zev stood frozen, processing everything. He turned, clearly wanting to chase Clarissa down and demand the truth.
Kelly grabbed his arm, hugging him tightly. “Even if she knows, she’ll never tell. She’s too scared. Think about it–she’s willing to marry someone she doesn’t even like just to protect herself. That means whoever she’s protecting herself from is terrifying.”
Zev clenched his fists, veins bulging. He was suppressing his anger.
He didn’t understand. After all these years of investigating, he still hadn’t figured out who was behind it.
“For a long time we suspected Ken,” Kelly said quietly. “But if it really was him, Clarissa wouldn’t be this scared. He might’ve been involved, sure. But he wasn’t the mastermind. And he wasn’t the one who betrayed your dad.”
Zev stayed silent, holding Kelly tightly, as if she was the only thing anchoring him to reality.
“Don’t worry, I got you,” she said softly, rubbing his back. “We’ll back her into a corner. Force her to talk. That secret is all she’s got left. Trust me.”
She wanted to help him.
Clarissa might’ve been considering marrying Caden, but Kelly could tell–her heart still belonged to Shawn.
So that was the angle. Break Shawn. Turn him against Clarissa. Isolate her until she has no way out. Then, that secret would be the only card she had left to play.
“Are you two here to show off your affection in my house?” Caden walked out holding two kids by the hand, glaring at Zev in contempt. “You’re the reason I’ve got drama on my doorstep, and you’re over here cuddling with each other. Do you even have a conscience?”
Zev ignored him, his arms still wrapped around Kelly.
Charles stepped out, ready to head outside. “I need to go take care of something. You guys figure out how to deal with Clarissa–she’s not going down without a fight.”
“Where are you going?” Caden asked, clinging to him like a needy puppy, refusing to let him go.
“Guy stuff. Stay out of it,” Zev replied, casually covering for Charles. He gave Charles a nod and hinted to
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him to go.
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Finished
Now that he knew Charles was connected to the higher–ups, he trusted him on his side.
Zev had worked undercover before. He knew Charles wasn’t leaving just for a stroll.
“Stay safe,” Zev said quietly.
Charles was stunned, caught off guard. He glanced back at Zev, pulled his baseball cap low, and nodded.
For people like them, tomorrow was never guaranteed.
Safety was a luxury.
However, despite the danger, certain actions were necessary.
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Chapter 380 Your Man’s With Me
