Billionaires Desire

Vengeance and Lust

Desiree awoke to the soft glow of her phone screen, blinking as she registered the notification. She swiped to open it, reading the headline with growing dread: "Three Children Dead After Consuming Donated Food from Marlow Industries." The article continued, describing how the orphanage had received donations, funded by Killian Enterprises, and managed by Ariella Marlow herself. The story went on to recount how Ariella had allegedly been seen publicly lashing out at one of the children after they touched her designer bag, further stoking outrage among the public.

The accusations against Marlow Industries were severe. Reporters questioned if Killian Enterprises had known about the low-quality donations and whether they held some responsibility in the children’s deaths. Desiree’s stomach twisted as she absorbed the article’s details, her mind immediately flashing to Atticus. Did he have a hand in this? she wondered, a chill creeping through her veins.

When she stepped out of the room, Atticus was already waiting for her, his expression steely as he straightened his black suit. She was dressed in a sleek black outfit herself, matching his sombre tone. Together, they made their way to the company headquarters, reporters crowding outside, microphones and cameras thrust forward as questions were hurled their way. Security held the press back, but one voice rose above the others.

“Atticus Killian, how does your family plan to take responsibility for what happened?”

Atticus paused, his face unreadable as he turned to address the question. “Killian Enterprises will no longer be funding any company with questionable management. We will take full responsibility for the burial costs of the children and will cooperate fully in the investigation. We are truly sorry for what happened.” His tone was steady, firm, leaving no room for further questions as he moved past them, Desiree following closely behind.

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The Investigation at Marlow Industries

Meanwhile, Marlow Industries was a hive of activity. Inspectors swarmed every corner, scrutinizing the facilities and food quality standards. Reporters loitered outside, snapping pictures of the company in turmoil, their lenses capturing every moment of the Marlow family’s downfall. Ariella’s father, Ernest Marlow, had been in meetings all day, desperately trying to save his crumbling empire. But as the scandal continued to unravel, even his loyal investors began to pull back, fearing association with such a damning incident.

By nightfall, Atticus made his way to his parents’ house. He’d been biding his time, waiting until the Marlow family was thoroughly cornered before making his next move. Desiree was driven back home, left to her thoughts as she tried to piece together the events surrounding the children’s deaths.

Arriving at the estate, Atticus found Ariella standing outside, her face a picture of desperation. She spotted him immediately, her eyes widening as she rushed over, reaching for his hand. “Atticus, please, you have to help us,” she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Atticus turned to her, his gaze cold. “You really don’t know your place, do you?” he said quietly, watching as her eyes dropped, her grip on his hand faltering. He allowed the silence to linger before he continued. “Fine. But under a few conditions.”

Ariella’s eyes lit up, hope flickering to life in her expression, but it vanished as soon as he continued.

“You’re to quit business for good,” he said firmly. “And you’re to move back to the States. Either that, or I’ll see to it that you’re arrested for the attempted murder of my girlfriend and the murder of three innocent children.”

The colour drained from Ariella’s face, a tear slipping down her cheek as she stared at him in shock. “Girlfriend…?” she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief and hurt.