The Billionaire's Web of Deceit

"Yeah! Just like that! Fuck me harder!"

The penthouse was silent, except for the loud moan coming from the woman Spencer was having sex with. Daphne's hands trembled as she walked in on her husband and the woman in question, her mind replaying all other cheating episodes she'd encountered with Spencer. The memory crashed in-sharp and unstoppable.

She didn't say anything. Instead she walked to the living room, heels clicking on the marble as she paced. Spencer's voice boomed from the bedroom as he heard a loud thud from the living room. " Would you like to join us, Daphne? She has a number of tricks you can learn. To, you know, satisfy me better."

She snapped back, words like bullets. "I'll rather die than engage in such stupidity. Spencer, what are you doing? Is this really what you want; to burn our marriage to the ground? To throw our name into dirt?"

He stormed in, tie loose, trousers down, eyes wild with jealousy; mouth reeking of alcohol. "You're building your own pedestal. You don't need me-you need an audience. You need to win."

"You think you're better than everyone. You think just because your name is Thompson, you can walk over people-including me. Newsflash! It's my name! And you're nothing without my name. You're nothing without me. Your father might be rich but everything you have today is because of me. I made you!"

Daphne's jaw tightened. "Now that your "investment" is making returns, it hurts? It makes you quiver? I never asked you to be less."

"But you never let me be more!" He slammed his fist against the wall, the sound echoing through the apartment. "You love the firm more than you ever loved me. Everyone there loves you. Even my father. He'd rather hand over the firm to you."

She stared at him, heart pounding, but her voice was steady. "I loved you, Spencer. I just refused to shrink for you."

He laughed, bitter and broken. "You'll end up alone, Daphne. No one wants to play second to your ambition."

The next morning, he was gone. His side of the closet empty, his ring left on the marble counter. The tabloids spun their story; from infidelity llegations on both ends to infertility allegations on her end but only Daphne knew the truth: she'd chosen herself, finally, over a marriage built on resentment and competition. A marriage where she shared her husband with half of New York.

The next day, Daphne stood in the minimalist living room of her former in-laws' estate, the weight of the conversation ahead pressing down on her. She had had enough. Spencer's father, Richard Thompson, a man whose presence filled the room with quiet authority, sat behind his desk, eyes fixed on her with a mixture of curiosity and restrained disappointment. He knew why she was there. But she still had to spit it out.

Richard broke the silence first, his voice calm but edged with steel. "I suppose you're here to tell me you're leaving your marriage."

Daphne drew a slow breath, steadying herself. "Yes. Spencer and I... our marriage failed. I'm also stepping away from the business we once shared. It's time I focus on my own path."

Richard's expression softened just a fraction, though his tone remained measured. "I won't pretend it's easy to hear, but I respect your decision. Spencer's actions and attitude towards you were preposterous. I understand your pain. It is not going to be simple though."

A tense pause hung between them. What did he mean by that last statement? She had divorce papers ready. Her thoughts were interrupted by Richard as he continued to speak.. "You know, there will be those who say you're running away. That you couldn't handle the pressure."

Daphne's jaw tightened. "Let them talk. I gave everything to that marriage and the company. But I can't keep sacrificing myself for a partnership that's broken."

He leaned forward, fingers steepled. "You realize, don't you, that stepping away now could close doors you'll never open again? Some wounds in this world don't heal, Daphne. Some people don't forgive. And most especially, no one forgets."

Daphne's heart pounded. For a moment, she hesitated, searching his face for some sign of encouragement. "I know what I'm risking. But I can't stay somewhere I'm not wanted-by Spencer, or by myself. This is not the life I want to live."

Richard's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "You're braver than most. Or perhaps just more desperate."

She met his gaze, voice trembling but unwavering. "Maybe both. But I have to believe there's more for me than this."

Richard let the silence stretch, then finally nodded. "Just remember, Daphne: not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. And not every door you close can be reopened."

As she turned to leave, his final words were heavy with warning. "Be careful, Daphne. The world outside this family isn't always kind to those who walk away."

As Daphne left the Thompson state, a new drive settled over her. The shattered pieces of her past-her failed marriage, the broken company ties-were behind her now. Ahead lay the challenge of reclaiming her place in her father's company, mostly as a daughter waiting for approval, but also as a force to be reckoned with. Her mind was also fully occupied with her former father-in-laws' words as she got into her car and drove off. She had to prioritize herself no matter what.

Daphne stepped through the revolving doors of Belle & Baker's headquarters. It felt like home. Not the home where it was all gigs and kisses though. It felt like home in a toxic way. Home she couldn't run away from no matter how much she tried. This was where she belonged. At least, she hoped it was. Her maiden name, not last name once again was on the door. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag as she made her way toward the executive floor, heart pounding with determination. She dreaded that she had to do this but she had no choice. The lifestyle wasn't going to pay for itself.

The door to her father's office was already open when she arrived. Marvin Baker sat behind his massive desk, his posture rigid, eyes cold as they met hers. There was no warmth in his expression-only the sharp edge of disappointment.

"So," he began, voice clipped, "I hear your marriage failed. Which of the stories are true? Were you both sleeping around and betraying your chastity like you betrayed your own family?"

Daphne swallowed hard. "Dad". She started, her voice edged with sadness as a result of the hurtful words her father hurled at her. "Yes. After Spencer and I separated, I figured I needed a fresh start. I thought-"

"You thought you could just walk away from this family, from the company I built, and then come back on your own terms?" His gaze bore into her, unyielding. "You know I never supported that marriage. Spencer was a mistake, and frankly, I never expected you to last."

Her throat tightened. The words stung, but she refused to back down. "I wanted to make it work. For both of us. But it failed. And now I'm here because I want to come back. I want to be part of Belle & Baker again. I want to prove myself to you."

A flicker of something crossed Marvin's face, but it vanished as quickly as it came.It was mostly disappointment. "You want to come back? After abandoning the family business? After choosing people who never treated you right? No, Daphne. You're not ready. Not yet. And frankly, I'm not sure you ever will be."

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, she couldn't control them. She continued to sob. Please, Dad. Give me a chance. I'm not the little girl you sent away to boarding school. I'm stronger now. I can do this."

He stood abruptly, the chair scraping sharply against the floor. "Strength isn't enough. You need discipline, loyalty. Two things you've yet to prove."

Daphne's voice was barely above a whisper. "Then tell me what I have to do."

Marvin's eyes softened just a fraction. "For now, stay where you are. Learn. Grow. Maybe one day, you'll earn your place here."

She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. As she turned to leave, the weight of his rejection settled over her. This wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.