Chapter Five: The Hidden File
By morning, the scandal had escaped the hospital.
Guests from the gala had seen police on the secured floor. Reporters gathered outside the main entrance. Social media filled with rumors ranging from a medical emergency to an attempted kidnapping.
Thorne Global’s communications team begged Marcus to issue a vague statement.
He refused.
At nine o’clock, he entered an emergency board meeting by video from an unused hospital office.
His mother’s empty chair appeared on the screen.
So did three representatives from Rossi Capital.
Marcus looked directly into the camera.
“Last night, my wife was assaulted by Isabella Rossi. Hospital security footage recorded the incident. An investigation has also uncovered evidence that individuals connected to this board attempted to interfere with my marriage, my wife’s medical care, and the custody of my unborn child.”
The directors erupted.
One demanded that Marcus end the call.
Another warned him that the company’s stock would collapse.
Marcus waited for them to finish.
“Every relevant document has been turned over to law enforcement.”
Silence followed.
“You’ll destroy the company,” one director said.
“No,” Marcus replied. “The people who committed crimes did that.”
He suspended all business dealings with Rossi Capital and requested an independent forensic audit.
Before noon, the first hidden file was found.
It had been stored on a private server controlled by Vivian’s executive assistant.
The folder was labeled CONTINUITY.
Inside were reports about Khloe’s movements, medical appointments, friendships, and financial accounts. There were photographs of her entering therapy sessions. Copies of personal emails. Draft custody petitions.
There was also a schedule.
Isabella had been instructed to create public confrontations with Khloe. Vivian wanted witnesses who could later describe Khloe as jealous, irrational, and aggressive.
The hospital suite confrontation was supposed to be another staged argument.
But Isabella’s rage had turned the plan into violence.
Detective Lena Ortiz brought a copy of the file to Khloe.
“This proves conspiracy,” she said. “Not just an isolated assault.”
Khloe read the pages slowly.
The plan had been frighteningly detailed.
After the baby’s birth, Marcus was supposed to receive anonymous evidence suggesting Khloe had misused charity funds. A friendly doctor would recommend psychiatric evaluation. Vivian’s attorneys would seek temporary custody during the investigation.
Then Isabella would appear beside Marcus during the crisis.
The public would see her as the loyal family friend.
Khloe would be isolated, discredited, and pressured into accepting a settlement.
“They studied me,” Khloe whispered.
“They underestimated you,” Detective Ortiz replied.
Khloe turned another page and froze.
A document listed the name of the person who had provided confidential information from inside Khloe’s nonprofit.
Daniel Price — Finance Director.
Daniel had worked beside Khloe for three years. He knew every donor, every grant, and every vulnerable family the organization supported.
He had attended her baby shower.
He had hugged her and called her family.
Khloe handed the page back.
“I want him removed from the building immediately.”
Elias nodded to security.
But Daniel was already gone.
Twenty minutes earlier, he had used his access credentials to enter the nonprofit’s office downstairs.
He had removed two hard drives.
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And according to security footage, he had not left alone.
Vivian Thorne had gone with him.
