Chapter 5 - The Fall from Grace
The revelation hit Chloe like a physical blow.
She stumbled backward in the narrow maintenance corridor, shaking her head in denial.
"No, that's impossible," she stammered.
"My father is a businessman, he doesn't destroy people's lives for fun."
Asher shoved the ledger toward her chest, forcing her to look at the undeniable proof.
There it was, written in perfect calligraphy.
A fifty thousand dollar payment from Kensington Global to the admissions board, followed by a note: "Expel Maya Hayes. Destroy her academic record."
"My sister lost her scholarship, her reputation, and her mind because of your family," Asher snarled.
"I came here to tear this school apart, and starting with the Kensingtons seemed fitting."
Chloe felt tears welling in her eyes, a mixture of guilt and terror.
She realized her father's empire was built on more than just bad investments.
It was built on cruelty.
"I didn't know," Chloe pleaded, her voice cracking.
"I swear to you, I had no idea."
Asher stared at her, searching her eyes for deception.
Before he could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the other side of the corridor.
Preston's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
"They went this way! Lock down the perimeter!"
"We have to go," Asher said, grabbing the ledger and stuffing it into his jacket.
He grabbed Chloe's arm again, pulling her deeper into the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the school.
They ran for what felt like hours, navigating the dark, damp passages until they reached a heavy steel grate leading outside.
Asher pushed it open, and they scrambled out into the cold night air, hidden by the thick woods surrounding the campus.
They collapsed onto the wet grass, gasping for air.
"Preston is going to destroy me," Chloe whispered, pulling her knees to her chest.
"He's going to tell everyone my family is broke, and I'll be an outcast by morning."
Asher looked at her, his anger slowly shifting into something resembling pity.
"Then we need to strike first," he said quietly.
"We use the ledger to expose Preston before he can expose you."
Chloe looked up, a glimmer of hope piercing through her despair.
It was a dangerous, reckless plan, but it was her only option.
The next morning, Chloe walked into the grand dining hall, her head held high despite her trembling hands.
The entire room went silent as Preston stood up from his table, a malicious smirk on his face.
"Attention everyone," Preston announced, tapping his glass with a silver spoon.
"I have some unfortunate news regarding the Kensington family finances."
Chloe froze, waiting for the killing blow.
Suddenly, Asher walked into the hall, standing right beside her.
"Preston is right," Asher interrupted loudly.
"The Kensingtons did have some financial restructuring."
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Asher pulled Chloe close, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Which is why I'm proud to announce that the Thorne empire has officially merged assets with Kensington Global, following my engagement to Chloe."
