Chapter 589 - 185 Confronting the Betrayal

Chapter 589: Chapter 185 Confronting the Betrayal

Daniel’s POV

Detective Adrienne’s clandestine meeting at the warehouse today had set my mind spinning with revelations that cut deeper than any blade. Sasha had orchestrated a web of deception so intricate, so calculated, that it could only have been conceived by someone raised within the twisted politics of our world. The matter of the terminated pregnancies still burned in my chest—secrets I’d temporarily shelved while handling Lila’s crisis. But the truth about Sasha’s betrayal remained like a splinter lodged in my thoughts, impossible to extract.

The entire situation was so monumentally twisted that my mind struggled to process the scope of her duplicity.

"Father, I’ve made myself crystal clear—I’m not getting involved in your power games. Daniel has every right to sever ties with the Martinez empire!" Sybilla’s voice carried across the penthouse as she paced with her phone pressed to her ear. "No, Father, I refuse to be your messenger—not even if you promised to restore everything you stripped from me when I chose independence over your arranged marriage. I don’t even want that blood-money car anymore. Those tokens of control mean nothing to me."

My sister moved restlessly through the living space, her frustration palpable as she listened to whatever manipulation was being fed through the line. "No, Father, I won’t be your intermediary. If your remorse is genuine, face him yourself. And don’t expect me to coach you because I can’t guarantee he’ll show mercy. No, I have no interest in speaking with Mother either. Fine, I’ll contact you later when I’m not busy cleaning up family messes. Goodbye."

She terminated the call with visible relief and collapsed onto the leather sectional beside me. I studied her profile, waiting for her to break the silence.

"What’s with the staring contest?" she asked, catching my gaze.

"Did you ensure my little one reached the university safely?"

That was my immediate priority. Everything else could wait.

"Seriously, Daniel? Of course Lila made it to campus without incident. I even stayed for coffee with her and MP in the dormitory lounge."

"You’ve been unusually agitated lately. What’s eating at you?" I’d observed her growing tension over recent days.

"Me? Agitated? Absolutely not. You’re projecting your own stress."

"Father’s attempting to manipulate you into becoming his peace broker, isn’t he?"

"Precisely, and he’s not limiting his efforts to me—Gregory, Sloane, anyone with access to your inner circle. I wouldn’t put it past him to approach Lila directly through university connections."

"He wouldn’t dare cross that line."

"You underestimate his desperation. He won’t accept this separation without exhausting every avenue of influence. What’s consuming your attention there?"

"Investment portfolios require analysis, but concentration eludes me."

"Lila occupying your thoughts?" Sybilla smiled, and I found myself mirroring her expression despite my darker mood.

"She’s a constant presence in my mind. But something else is demanding resolution."

"Need backup?"

"Not this time, sister." I paused, recognizing that dwelling on these revelations would only intensify my rage. "Actually, you can assist me. Would you collect Lila from campus?"

"Consider it handled. Always happy to help."

"Inform her that urgent family business required my immediate attention, but I’ll provide complete explanations upon my return."

"Ooh, mysterious family intrigue! Care to share what operation you’re launching?"

"Later, Sybilla. Time is critical."

I shut down my encrypted laptop, changed into more formal attire suitable for what was essentially a diplomatic mission, and departed. Soon after, I was boarding a private jet bound for Greenleaf, grateful for the Martinez family’s aviation resources. During the flight, my mind churned through recent discoveries—the layers of betrayal and deception that had been systematically exposed. I’d reviewed Detective Adrienne’s complete intelligence file and studied the photographic evidence. Nothing could have prepared me for such comprehensive treachery from someone who’d shared my name and bed. The terminated pregnancies remained another mystery requiring resolution. Given Sasha’s documented affair, I questioned whether those pregnancies had even carried Martinez blood. Regardless, her actions were unforgivable, and answers were non-negotiable.

After landing in Greenleaf, I secured a black sedan and drove directly to the Mendez estate. Their shock at my unannounced appearance was immediately apparent.

"Daniel?" Mr. Mendez approached cautiously. "What brings you to our doorstep, son?"

"Nothing pleasant, sir. Consider this the calm before a devastating storm. I require an immediate audience with Sasha." My tone conveyed the gravity of my visit.

"Please, make yourself comfortable. May I offer refreshments?" Mr. Mendez attempted hospitality, clearly sensing the dangerous undercurrents of my presence.

"Daniel, darling! What a delightful surprise! Have you finally recognized your error and come to reclaim your rightful wife?" Mrs. Mendez swept into the room with her characteristic air of entitled superiority.

"She ceased being my wife years ago, legally and personally. I recognized my mistake the day I signed those divorce papers." I made no effort to soften my contempt.

"Don’t you dare address me with such disrespect, young man!" she snapped, as though I were still some subordinate requiring discipline.

"Frankly, you’re the last person I intended to engage with today." Her expression transformed to stunned outrage. I redirected my attention to her husband. "Mr. Mendez, where is your daughter?"

"She’s away from the house, Daniel. Her whereabouts are unknown to me—you know she rarely shares her movements with family. I’ll contact her immediately and explain your urgent arrival."

He placed the call, informing his daughter of my unexpected visit and the obvious urgency. "She’s en route. Should arrive shortly. What exactly has transpired?"

"Are you claiming complete ignorance? You’re unaware of the chaos your daughter orchestrated? The forged legal documents invalidating our divorce through judicial corruption? The multiple terminated pregnancies at an underground clinic? The blackmail payments she made to silence potential witnesses? Her extended affair with Grant Barlow?" When I mentioned the abortions, his eyes widened with genuine shock—clearly this information was new. However, his wife attempted to retreat quietly from the room. I wasn’t permitting her escape. "Your wife, however, possesses comprehensive knowledge of every sordid detail."

He seized her arm, fury blazing in his eyes as the scope of the deception became clear.

"Remain seated. We will await Sasha’s arrival together. Please, Daniel, take a seat. I learned of the divorce complications only when she returned from Boston, but I swear on my family’s honor—I knew nothing about terminated pregnancies, blackmail schemes, or illicit relationships with rival family members."

Studying his face, I detected genuine shock beneath his controlled exterior, though every instinct warned against trusting anyone connected to this poisonous bloodline.