Chapter 31: Who released the story?!
Chapter 31: Who released the story?!
Chapter 31: Who released the story?!
Ian stared at the article for the duration of the ride. Steam was practically whistling out of his ears. Who would dare post an article like this without his permission! Through gritted teeth his tone was low and calm as he gave Eric his orders.
“Find the fuck face that released this article and bring them to my warehouse. I want to know who spoon fed them this bullshit.”
Eric nodded immediately.
“Yes sir! I’ll head straight to the warehouse after we leave the Keller estate.”
Ian nodded. Though his fury was toppling over, at that moment the biggest emotion he had….was fear. If Cassandra saw this article, he knew exactly what she would do and what she could release. He had to have the article removed at once!
“Also….call that news ledger and have them remove that article immediately. Also call our PR team and have the internet scrubbed! I need all the contact information to SDP. I have to speak with Cassie ASAP.”
Eric nodded as he began making his calls. By the time they arrived at the manor, Eric had already had the article removed. The hard part was getting it removed from all the other social media and internet sources. Removing everything from the sources connected to the Eastern Coast was one thing, but Ian knew he had no control over the other coasts. If this article already made it’s way to other sites…..he knew he was fucked. As they pulled into the estate, Ian’s fury was nearing it’s limit. Based on the contents in the article, only one person could have leaked it…..Dara.
The time was 9:47pm; as Ian and Eric entered the manor, it looked as if everyone had gone to their rooms for the evening. Walking over to the intercom, Ian spoke with malice in his voice.
“Everyone get your asses to the grand room now!!”
Ivan and Nancy nearly jolted at the unexpected sound of Ian’s roar! What the hell was going on now!
“Has he lost his damn mind! It’s almost 10 o’clock! What the hell is going on that he couldn’t wait until morning!”
Nancy gripped the bridge of her nose; she knew why he was here…..that article.
“It has to be because of that article. I knew this was going to be a problem.”
Ivan looked confused. Why would Ian be upset about that article? It clearly proved that Cassandra was the one in the wrong!
“What the hell! For what! Clearly it shows she was the one who cheated!”
Nancy rolled her eyes; Ivan always seemed to be two steps behind. That article obviously wasn’t true.
“Let’s just go and see what’s going on.”
As they made their way downstairs, bother Isabella and Dara were trailing behind. Dara had her suitcase packed; it was time to go! As everyone made their way to the grand room, Dara could see both Ian AND Eric staring at the entryway; their faces both exhibiting annoyances.
‘What the hell?’
She thought to herself as she smiled and made her way over to Ian. Now that she was over five months pregnant, her cute round belly poked Ian’s side as she leaned in with a hug only to be met with indifference.
“Ian…..is something wrong?”
Though she knew the answer and had a good guess as to why his mood was foul, she still had to play her role of innocence. Eric, however, was staring daggers at her.
Ian took a step back as he looked at everyone in the room. His voice was low but stern with a dark tone. He was beyond angry….somebody had fucked up bad!
“Who released it?”
Everyone looked around at each other, slight confusion as no one wanted to take the blame. Both Isabelle and Dara glanced quickly at each other nervously; Ian spoke again.
“I’ll ask again….WHO RELEASED THIS STORY TO THE FUCKING PRESS!”
Ian was now shouting; he’d grown tired of everyone’s games! Ivan spoke first.
“What’s the big deal! Your wife was out being a whore! Now with this story released, you can marry Dara and have your child in peace! What are you still protecting Cassandra for!”
Ian glared at his father causing Ivan to shudder. As he walked towards him, Ivan took a step back. Ian’s tone was heavy as he lowered his voice.
“Was it you? Are you the one that went to the press?”
Beads of sweat slid down Ivan’s forehead. Over these past several years since Ian took over, he watched his son become ruthless and callous. He knew Ian only allowed him to stay in the family to show him he was the one with all the power. As his anger turned to nerves, he began to studder over his words.
“W-What do you mean! How would I have been able to tell the press about you and Dara! I never even knew about you getting mug!”
Nancy spoke next.
“Ian…your father is right. None of us knew about Dara saving your life! There’s no way we could have told the press this! But is it true? Did Dara really save you from being attacked?”
Ian looked up at his mother, his expression cold.
“It’s true. That’s how Dara and I became close. She saved me from an attack and got hurt in the process, from that point on….I took care of her.”
Both Nancy and Ivan looked over at Dara with slight guilt in their eyes. For months they had been abrasive and shorrt with Dara thinking she was the reason Ian had an affair and becuase she was beneth them.
“Dara…..I…..we…..my husband and I would like to apologize and also say thank you. We had no idea you risked your life for Ian.”
Dara smiled shyly while her inner thoughts gloated at this moment.
‘Save your sucking up! When I become Mrs. Keller both you and your husband will be on the first train to a retirement home!’
“No thanks needed Mrs. Keller…..I was just honored to be there to help him!”
Nancy smiled lightly.
‘Now here’s a girl that knows her place! Unlike that brat Cassandra!’
Ian’s eyes cut over to Dara.
“Was it you?”
Dara instantly cowered back as she shook her head.
“Don’t lie to me Dara! No one else knew about the robbery so it had to be you!”
“Ian I swear! I haven’t met with anyone! I’ve been here everyday all day! And I made no calls! Check my phone!”
Before Ian could say anything, Nancy interjected.
“Ian she’s telling the truth! She’s been here every day!”
Ivan spoke next, he didn’t understand why Ian was so angry.
“I don’t understand what the big damn deal is! Dara saved your life! That’s a hell of lot more than that whore Cassandra ever did! You should have told us what was going on! She cheated on you and with Ayden fucking Crawford of all people! Yet you’re-”
“Cassandra didn’t cheat!!!!”
The room grew eerily quiet as everyone’s eyes widened in shock. Nancy spoke first.
“W-What do you mean she didn’t cheat….but the article said-”
“The article is wrong! Cassandra never cheated!”
Isabelle spoke next; her mind was racing as she shot icy glares at Dara.
‘What the fuck is going on! I thought that bitch said Cassie cheated first!’
“So Cassie never had an affair with Ayden Crawford?”
Ian glared at his sister, ice now running in his veins.
“No. I’m the one who cheated. But now that this article is out….she is most certainly going to retaliate! So I’ll ask again….did anyone in this fucking room talk to the press!”
Nancy spoke again; nerves and confusion riddled on her face.
“Ian…no one here knew any of these details and Dara hasn’t left the estate. It wasn’t us!”
Ian looked at Eric, irritation in his eyes. If none of them spoke to the press then who did!
“Get everything setup.”
Ian glared at his family.
“If I find out any of you were responsible…..even begging won’t be enough. Dara….let’s go.”
As Dara walked over towards Ian, Isabelle called out.
“Ian wait……”
But her words got caught in her throat. She would have loved nothing more than to tell him Dara was the one that claimed Cassandra cheated. But she knew that wouldn’t matter, regardless of Dara giving her misinformation…..she was the one that went to the press.
“What is it Isabelle.”
Isabelle glanced quickly at Dara and then back at Ian.
“Nothing….I was just going to say let me know if you need anything or any help taking care of Dara.”
Those last words spilled out like acid. Watching Dara’s expression turn slightly smug…..Isabelle realized the truth. Dara set her up.
‘That fucking bitch!!! That little fucking bitch!!! Think that baby in your belly can protect you forever…..we’ll see.’