15. The Mole Within
Chapter fifteen
The Mole Within
X ander
I adjust my laptop screen, sitting straighter as the meeting host enters the call—a man named Jean-Luc Renault, a well-known figure in high-end real estate across the Riviera. He greets me with a curt nod, his tone all business.
“Monsieur Blackwood, thank you for your interest in this property.”
“Thank you for making time to discuss this,” I reply, keeping my tone steady, businesslike. This isn’t just any property—it’s prime land with the perfect coastal view for the luxury resort I want to bring to life. I’ve spent years building in tech, but this? This feels like a legacy.
Jean-Luc wastes no time, eyeing me curiously. “I must admit, I’m intrigued why a man of your background, known for software and infrastructure, wants to step into hospitality and resorts.”
I lean forward, steepling my fingers. “I’ve built IT innovations that run hotels and smart homes, high-security systems. But I want to create something tangible, Jean-Luc. A resort designed with a blend of technology and exclusivity. Think an immersive luxury experience where every suite adjusts itself to fit each guest’s preferences—temperature, lighting, entertainment, all tailored by their devices and habits.”
He nods, visibly impressed. “Interesting. It would require a great deal of technical expertise and investment, though, yes?”
“Yes,” I reply, unwavering. “I’ve planned this extensively. It’s an ambitious billion-dollar plan, with multiple phases, but it’s achievable. And profitable.”
Jean-Luc taps a pen on his desk, considering my words. “A resort that redefines luxury in the Riviera. I can see why you’re interested in this land.”
I nod, sensing a window of opportunity. “Exactly. But I need the right location to bring it to life. And I believe your property is it.”
He pauses, and something in his eyes shifts. “There’s competition, Monsieur Blackwood. You aren’t the only interested buyer.”
My jaw tightens slightly. “Who are the other buyers?”
A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, but he doesn’t offer any names. “I can’t disclose that. I’ll have to consult with my own advisors and lawyers to see where the offers stand. I will keep you informed.”
The call ends on a polite note, but there’s a sense of finality that weighs on me. As I close my laptop, the vision I had—the beachfront terraces, the seamless technology integration—all of it feels just out of reach. And I can’t stand it.
Just then, my phone rings. It’s from the hospital.
“Mr. Blackwood? This is Nurse Thomas from the hospital. Vanessa Chase is now awake and asking for you.”
I close my eyes briefly. She’s awake, and some part of me feels lighter for that, but I can’t go. “I won’t be coming in, but please ensure she has everything she needs. Send me her bills; I’ll handle the charges.”
As I hang up, my mind drifts to Ellie. To our baby.
A few months ago, fatherhood felt foreign, something I had ruled out. My own father was cold, unyielding, more of a drill sergeant than a parent. He taught me to be self-sufficient but left me with nothing soft to hold onto. I was never certain I’d even want kids, for fear of becoming the same kind of man.
But Ellie… she’s changed that. She’s shown me a version of myself I didn’t think existed. And with her, the thought of raising a child—our child—feels like a second chance.
My phone buzzes in my hand, her name lighting up the screen, and it’s as if the universe itself has granted me the one thing I need to feel grounded again.
“Hey, baby,” I say, but my smile fades the second I hear her voice—she’s crying, struggling to speak.
“Ellie, are you hurt?” I grab my car keys, already heading for the door. “Where are you?”
“Can you come, please?” Her voice is so fragile it breaks something in me. I’m out the door in seconds, practically sprinting. “Stay on the phone with me, okay? Just breathe, Ellie. I’m on my way.”
Every tear I hear, every shaky breath—it pushes me faster. I swear the trip feels like it takes hours, but I finally pull up, telling her, “I’m here, baby. Whatever it is, we’re going to fix it.”
I don’t know what to expect when she opens the door, but seeing her curled up in pajamas, eyes swollen and cheeks stained, knocks the air out of me. She barely manages to stand before she falls into my arms, and I scoop her up, settling us both on the couch as I hold her, waiting for her to breathe easier.
“Ellie, talk to me,” I murmur, brushing a tear from her cheek. “What happened?”
She trembles against me, her words barely a whisper. “Deborah… Carolyn… it’s all so much. I don’t know what to believe.” Her voice catches, and she explains everything between deep breaths, as if saying it aloud makes it real—the woman who says she’s her mother, a past she never even imagined, baby pictures she never saw. By the time she’s finished, she’s sobbing into my shirt, completely drained.
“I don’t even know who I am,” she chokes out. “How could Carolyn lie to me like this? I’m nothing like her. My mother didn’t even want me… she handed me away.” Her voice breaks, and it’s like she’s unraveling, this doubt tearing at her. “I don’t know if I should be a mother. I don’t know if I even can be.”
“Hey.” I lift her face, meeting her tear-filled eyes. “None of this has anything to do with you, Ellie.”
Her hands grip my shirt, like I’m her anchor. “But if my own mother didn’t think I was worth sticking around for… what if I’m not enough?”
This needs to stop right now. She deserves to know she’s more than enough, that her worth isn’t tied to anyone’s mistakes but especially not her mother’s. And maybe… maybe it’s time to tell her why I understand better than I wish I did.
“Ellie, listen,” I say, my voice barely steady. “I’m not… I’ve never wanted to be a father. Hell, it’s the last thing I thought I’d ever want. My own dad—he was more of a business partner than a parent, and he treated me like an investment. I spent years afraid I’d end up the same way.”
I take a deep breath, realizing I’ve never admitted this to anyone. “But you… you’re nothing like that. The fact that you care so much, that you’re worried about being good enough? That’s exactly what’s going to make you an incredible mom. Because you already love this baby. You already want to be better.”
Her eyes search mine, and I can see her start to believe it. I brush another tear from her cheek, my thumb lingering on her skin.
“I’ll be here with you, every step of this. You’re not alone in this, Ellie. You never will be. I’ve got you.”
“I have got you too. You know, you don’t talk about your father much,” she whispers. Her fingers play with the hem of my shirt, and I can see her processing my words. “That’s rough,” she says softly, and it hits me how much she really gets it.
“I spent years afraid I’d end up the same way,” I admit, hating the vulnerability in my voice.
She lifts her head, those bright eyes searching mine. “But you’re nothing like that, Alex. You’re so much better.”
I nod, my chest swelling. “Thank you.”
A single tear escapes, and I wipe it away with my thumb, letting it linger on her soft skin.
She studies me, her face softening, and then she smiles. “I love you; you know.”
Those three words hit me like a freight train, but in the best way. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “I love you too.”
She leans in, pressing her lips against mine, slow and sweet, igniting that fire deep inside me. As our kiss deepens, the world outside fades away. It’s just us, lost in each other.
We pull back, our foreheads touching. “You know,” she whispers, her breath warm against my lips, “this feels perfect.”
“Yeah, it really does,” I agree, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Let’s not ruin it,” she says, biting her lip.
“Who says we’re gonna ruin anything?” I tease, moving my hands to her waist and pulling her closer.
“I’m just saying…”
“Just saying what?” I whisper, leaning in to capture her mouth again, our kisses growing hotter.
“Let’s take our time.”
“Fine by me,” I growl, and the heat builds between us, our bodies pressing together, every kiss lighting up more than just our lips.
The sun peeks through the curtains, warming the small apartment. I pull her onto my lap, feeling the softness of her body against me, her laughter filling the space as I nuzzle into her neck.
“Damn, you smell amazing,” I murmur, inhaling her scent.
“Is that your way of flirting?” she laughs, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
“Maybe,” I reply, raising an eyebrow. “Is it working?”
“Always.”
We lose ourselves in each other, the world outside forgotten until Ellie’s voice pulls me back.
“Hey, how did the meeting go?” she asks, snuggling back against me, her voice cozy like the blankets wrapping around us.
I hesitate, wanting to keep this bubble intact. “There might be a delay,” I say, trying to keep it casual. “But I’m gonna work on it.”
“What delay?” She shifts, looking up at me, concern etching her features.
“Nothing to worry about,” I say, kissing the tip of her nose, trying to brush it off.
“Really?” she questions, skepticism lacing her tone.
“Really,” I assure her, but the truth is gnawing at my gut.
We slip back into each other’s embrace, the warmth of the moment wrapping around us, and before I know it, we’ve drifted off to sleep, tangled up in the tiny bed, the world outside fading into a distant hum.
But it doesn’t last long.
A sharp sound jolts me awake. My phone buzzes insistently on the nightstand, and I groan, squinting at the bright screen. It’s 5:30 AM. Who the hell is calling me at this hour?
I slide out of bed, careful not to disturb Ellie. She looks peaceful, and the last thing I want is to ruin her morning. I grab my phone, glancing at the caller ID. It’s Marcus, my lawyer.
“What the hell is going on?” I answer, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“Alexander,” he says, his voice tight. “Have you seen the news?”
“No,” I snap. “I just woke up. What’s happening?”
“Get ready. You need to sit down.”
“Why?” I demand, my heart racing.
“Vanessa Chase is in the news.”
The name sends a chill down my spine. “About what?”
“She’s claiming she was hospitalized because she tried to kill herself after you broke off your engagement because she had a miscarriage.”
My blood runs cold. “What? I was never engaged to her!”
“Right, but she’s saying that you are, and that you left her for someone else.”
“Who?”
“Ellie Sanders.”
Shock waves through me. “That’s complete bullshit! I was never engaged to Vanessa! This is just her being dramatic!”
“I know that,” Marcus replies, his tone steady, “but you need to understand the implications. It’s already blowing up. She’s playing the victim card, and it’s going to affect your reputation.”
“Why the hell is she doing this?” I grit my teeth.
“Attention, drama. It’s what she does. She’s got nothing better in her life,” he says, and I can hear him pacing on the other end. “And now she’s dragging you down with her.”
“Un-fucking-believable,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “What do I do?”
“Honestly? You should consider suing her for defamation,” Marcus suggests.
I scoff, anger bubbling up. “This is just Vanessa wanting attention. I don’t want to give her what she wants.”
“Either way, the blowback is huge. Your stocks are dropping, and the media is commenting on what a douche you are.”
“Goddamn it!” I roar, frustration boiling over. “This is a nightmare!”
The PR team is on the other end of the line too, and I can almost feel their eyes on me. “We suggest you make a statement,” one of them pipes in, and I can hear the urgency in their voice.
“First, I need to talk to Ellie. This is affecting her too,” I say firmly, glancing back at the bedroom where Ellie is still sleeping.
“Okay, but we need to make a decision soon,” Marcus says, and I can hear the stress in his tone.
“I understand that,” I snap, “but this isn’t just about me. Ellie needs to know.”
“Understood,” Marcus replies, a hint of understanding creeping into his voice. “But time’s not on our side.”
“Damn it,” I mutter, pacing the small living room. I rub my temples, trying to ease the mounting headache.
I take a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm. “Fine. I’ll talk to Ellie and we’ll decide from there.”
“Good. I’ll wait for your call,” Marcus says before hanging up.
I stand there for a moment, my heart racing as the weight of the situation sinks in. This is worse than I imagined.
I glance back toward the bedroom. Ellie’s still asleep, blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding outside. I hate the idea of waking her, but she deserves to know.
I pad back to the bedroom, careful to keep my movements quiet. I kneel beside the bed, brushing my fingers over her cheek.
“Ellie,” I whisper softly, feeling the need to pull her into my arms again. “Wake up.”
She stirs, blinking her eyes open. “What’s wrong?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “You need to sit up. We need to talk.”
“What’s going on?” she asks, concern flooding her features.
“Vanessa made a statement to the press.”
Her expression changes, and I can see the realization hit her. “What kind of statement?”
“She’s claiming all kinds of bullshit. That she was hospitalized, that she had a miscarriage, and that we were engaged.”
“Are you serious?” she exclaims, pushing herself up. “That’s insane! You were never engaged!”
“Exactly!” I shout, my frustration bubbling over. “But now it’s out there, and the media is running with it.”
Ellie shakes her head in disbelief. “Why would she say that? What does she gain from this?”
“Attention, plain and simple. She’s always been about drama,” I say, running my hands through my hair. “And now she’s dragging you into this mess.”
“Let her,” Ellie replies, her voice steady. “I’m not ashamed of us. We need to fight back.”
“Fight back?” I repeat, surprised by her fierceness. “How? We’re up against a woman who’s willing to ruin lives for clicks.”
“By being honest,” she says, determination shining in her eyes. “We can’t let her win. If we stay silent, it’ll only get worse.”
Her words ignite a fire in me. I grip her hands, feeling the warmth of her determination seep into my veins. “You’re right. We have to take a stand.”
Ellie nods, her resolve firm. “Let’s make this about us. Our love is stronger than her lies.”
I can’t help but smile, a sense of pride swelling in my chest. “You’re incredible, you know that?”
“I’m just being realistic,” she replies, a hint of a smirk on her lips.
I lean down, kissing her softly, letting the connection between us spark into a flame. “Okay then, let’s do this together.”
“Together,” she agrees, our eyes locked in a fierce determination.
This isn’t just a battle against Vanessa; it’s a stand for what we have. And I won’t let anyone tear us apart. Not now, not ever.
****
The air in the office is thick with tension as Ellie and I step inside. Every gaze seems to zero in on us, like we’re walking through a gauntlet of whispers and sideways glances. I can see her shaking, just a little, as we navigate the sea of curious eyes. I tighten my grip on her hand, leaning in close enough for my lips to brush her ear.
“I’ve got you,” I whisper, my tone low and steady, trying to convey all the confidence I can muster.
She glances up at me, her eyes wide but brimming with gratitude. It’s a small reassurance that I’ll take. Together, we make our way to my desk, the clicking of our shoes against the polished floor echoing in the silence.
As we reach my office, Lena looks up from her computer, a skeptical brow arched. “Well, well. Looks like the two of you are... closer than I thought,” she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Cut the crap, Lena. Where’s Marcus?” I reply, my patience wearing thin.
“In the conference room. He’s waiting for you,” she says, her eyes darting between us.
“Thanks,” I mutter, guiding Ellie through the door and into the conference room. The moment we step inside, I can sense Marcus’s authoritative presence. He’s all business, but today, he’s also our ally.
“Good, you made it,” he says, glancing between Ellie and me, a knowing look passing between us. “We’ve got some ground to cover.”
Ellie tenses beside me, and I tighten my grip on her hand, willing her to stay strong. “Let’s do this,” I say, forcing a calm I don’t quite feel.
“We’re drafting an official statement,” Marcus starts, pulling out some notes. “It’s important we frame Vanessa’s comments as a character attack. We need to control the narrative before it spirals.”
“Sounds like a plan,” I say, nodding. “We can’t let her drag us through the mud.”
“Exactly,” Marcus replies, his gaze serious. “But I need you to promise me you’ll stay away from Vanessa. The last thing we need is her escalating this situation further.”
“I can handle her,” I shoot back, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
“Alexander, listen,” he says, his tone firm. “If you confront her, she’ll only use it against you. You don’t want that. Trust me.”
“Fine,” I mutter, crossing my arms over my chest. “But I’m not backing down.”
“Good,” Marcus replies, his expression softening a bit. “Now, I think it’s best if you two talk in the office. Clear the air with the team. You’re still her boss, and she’s your assistant. This needs to be addressed.”
Ellie nods, but I can see the nerves still flickering in her eyes. “Right,” she says softly. “I can do that.”
“Great,” Marcus says, standing to leave. “I’ll be outside if you need me.”
Once he’s gone, the silence settles in, heavy and uncomfortable. I can sense Ellie’s uncertainty, and it pisses me off that she has to feel this way. I lean against my desk, crossing my arms, and give her my best encouraging smile. “You ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she replies, a hint of determination creeping into her voice.
“Let’s get through this,” I say, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
I reach for my phone as I sit down, intending to check for updates. Just as I swipe my finger, it buzzes violently. Jean Luc’s name lights up the screen, and I answer immediately.
“Jean Luc,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “What’s going on?”
“Alexander,” he starts, his voice grave. “I’ve got some bad news about the Riviera project.”
“What do you mean bad news?” I say, my heart dropping. “We’ve put too much work into this to let it slip away.”
He sighs heavily. “It’s been cancelled. The board doesn’t feel comfortable working with someone who’s... well, who’s associated with this scandal.”
I grit my teeth, my stomach twisting into knots. “What? You can’t be serious. This is about business, not personal crap.”
“Look, I’m sorry,” he continues. “But the reputation of the firm is on the line. And with this whole Vanessa situation, they see you as a liability.”
“Are you shitting me?” I can feel my temper rising. “I can fix this. Just give me a chance to talk to Vanessa. I can clear it up.”
“Alexander, I really think it’s best if you don’t. You need to protect yourself. This whole thing is getting worse by the minute.”
“Jean Luc,” I say, my voice sharper than intended. “I need to know more. What details did they hear?”
“According to the projection of your profit margins, I think we can get a better offer than you had…”
“Wait, I haven’t even shared my projections yet.”
“Monsieur. Let’s keep this short, Details about your relationship with Ellie are plastered everywhere. We are all rightfully concerned you won’t be able to keep your personal life separate from business. This isn’t just about the project. It’s about you being a family man and who you associate with. They can’t work with someone who might tarnish their reputation.”
“Family man?” I scoff, disbelief flooding through me. “Are you serious right now? This is bullshit.”
He pauses, letting my frustration hang in the air. “I can’t do anything. The decision’s been made.”
With that, he hangs up, and I’m left staring at my phone in shock. “What the hell just happened?” I mutter to myself, my mind racing.
I glance up at Ellie, who’s watching me intently. “That was Jean Luc. He said the Riviera project is off because of this mess.”
“What?” she gasps, her expression shifting to concern. “How? Why?”
“They think I’m a liability, Ellie. They see you as part of the problem.” I push back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. “It’s ridiculous.”
“What did he say?” she asks, her voice low.
“Just that they’re worried about our... situation. That it’s going to affect my work,” I reply, feeling the anger boiling inside me. “Like I can’t separate my personal life from business. They are discussing my profits before I even made the numbers public. This is all going down the drain.”
“Shit,” Ellie says, her eyes wide. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Yeah, neither can I,” I reply, shaking my head. “It’s all so fucked up. And I thought I could handle it, but now—”
“Wait a second,” she interrupts, a look of realization dawning on her face. “I think I know what happened. My computer crashed last week. I had some sensitive information on it that could have leaked.”
“What kind of information?” I ask, my pulse quickening.
“Details about the Riviera project, the specs...everything. I didn’t have time to back it up before it crashed,” she explains, her brows knitting together in worry. “It could’ve been Lena. She was snooping around the office. I saw her looking at my files.”
“Lena?” My jaw clenches. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah, I swear,” she says, her voice urgent. “I thought it was just my paranoia, but now I’m not so sure. She might’ve gotten into my stuff. Because other than you and me, no one else knew the exact details on the project.”
“Goddammit.” I stand up, the anger bubbling over. “I can’t let this slide. If she’s the one who caused this, she needs to go.”
“Alexander, wait—”
“No, Ellie,” I say, cutting her off. “This isn’t just about us anymore. It’s about my business and everything I’ve built. I can’t let someone sabotage that.”
I storm out of the office, the tension radiating from me like heat. I find Lena at her desk, scrolling through her phone like she’s got all the time in the world.
“Lena,” I bark, startling her. “We need to talk. Now.”
She glances up, a look of confusion crossing her face. “About what?”
“About your job,” I say, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. “You’re out. Effective immediately.”
Her eyes widen in disbelief. “What? You can’t be serious!”
“Oh, I’m dead serious,” I reply, my voice low and menacing. “You’ve been snooping around, haven’t you? You’re the reason everything’s gone to shit. I won’t let you drag my company through the mud because of your incompetence.”
“That’s not fair!” she protests, her voice rising. “You can’t just fire me like this!”
“Watch me,” I say, standing my ground. “You’re a liability, and I can’t have that. Pack your shit and get out.”
I turn on my heel, feeling the weight of the decision settle around me. I can’t believe I just did that, but it was necessary. The team needs to see that I’m taking this seriously. I can’t let this mess ruin everything.
I walk back to my office, finding Ellie still seated, looking apprehensive. “You okay?” I ask, my tone softening a bit.
“I guess,” she replies, her brow furrowed. “But you didn’t have to go that hard on Lena.”
“Yeah, I did,” I say, running a hand over my face. “I can’t have anyone undermining what we’re building. It’s too important.”
She nods, but the worry still lingers in her eyes. “I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite us.”
“It won’t,” I reply, trying to project confidence. “We’re going to get through this, I promise. Together.”
Her gaze softens, and for a moment, I see a flicker of hope in her expression. But I know we’re in for a rough ride, and I won’t let anything stand in our way.