Reclaimed By My Ex-husband
Chapter 85: The incriminating evidence

Chapter 85: The incriminating evidence

Riya stood frozen in place, her body trembling with fury. "Zara," she growled through gritted teeth. "How dare you flirt with Nathaniel right in front of me? You have crossed the line tonight. Just wait... I’ll destroy you."

She pulled out her phone and dialed a number. As soon as the line connected, she hissed, "Do me a favor. Tomorrow, at the event, I want Zara humiliated. Bring in a few men. Just make sure her reputation is torn to shreds. And get it all recorded."

Her lips twisted into a wicked smirk as she ended the call. "Enjoy tonight, Zara," she muttered with icy contempt. "After this incident, Nathaniel won’t be able to even look at you without feeling disgusted."

With a satisfied glint in her eyes, she strode out of the restaurant, scanning for a cab. Just then, a sleek black car glided up beside her and came to a swift stop. Riya’s brows furrowed in confusion, and she leaned forward to peer through the dark window.

The backseat window slowly lowered, revealing a face that made her stiffen.

"You!" she gasped.

"Get in," the man said curtly, his eyes fixed straight ahead, not sparing her a single glance.

Riya hesitated, glancing up and down the street. But no taxi was in sight, and the hour was growing late. If she declined him, she had no idea how long she had to stand there for a taxi. With a reluctant sigh, she slipped in beside him and shut the door.

"Thanks," she said, attempting a smile as she turned to face him. "You were here for dinner?"

He said nothing. His gaze remained fixed on his phone as his thumb lazily scrolled, completely ignoring her presence.

Riya’s smile withered. A wave of irritation stirred in her chest, but she bit her tongue and leaned back, letting her gaze drift to the window.

Just as the silence began to feel unbearable, his voice sliced through the quiet. "I heard you are going to be the showstopper at tomorrow’s fashion event." A pause. "I’ll be there to see you."

A chill crept up Riya’s spine. She forced a smile, masking the unease that coiled in her belly. "Thank you... Uncle. That’s kind of you."

His head turned sharply toward her, his expression darkening in an instant. "Don’t call me that," he snapped with warning in his eyes. "I’m not your uncle."

She stiffened in her seat, fingers clenching tightly around her purse. A sense of dread settled over her. Getting into his car was a mistake.

Then he shifted, lifting his phone toward her. "I have something for you." He played a video.

It was surveillance footage, clearly showing how she had slipped something into Nathaniel’s drink at the bar.

Her blood ran cold. Panic surged through her. She lunged for the phone. But he was faster. With one smooth movement, he pulled his hand back out of her reach.

Riya glared at him. "Give it to me. Delete that video," she cried out.

He only smirked. "You drugged Nathaniel. What do you think he’ll do when he sees this footage?"

A jolt of fear shot through Riya’s chest. She had done everything she could to erase the surveillance footage of that night. How had he managed to recover it?

"You were spying on me?" she spat, tilting her head with fury.

"I keep tabs on the people who matter to me," he said smoothly, the implications of his words making her insides churn with unease.

"Give me that phone," she spat, lunging for it yet again.

"Stop," he growled, seizing her wrists midair.

Riya thrashed in his grip, desperation in her eyes. "Why are you doing this? I didn’t do anything wrong to you. Why are you troubling me? Just delete the footage."

He pressed her back against the seat, leaning over her, his presence dominating and suffocating. She twisted and fought frantically.

"Do you think deleting the footage is enough?" he snarled. "Whether I delete it or not, Nathaniel is already closing in on the truth."

She stopped struggling. "What... what do you mean?" she stammered.

"He has been digging," the man said darkly. "He is determined to find out who drugged him. And with this video, he will find out the truth."

Riya’s face drained of color. "No..."

"What do you think he will do if he finds out it’s you who has drugged him that night?" he asked with a mocking sneer. "And what will your adoptive parents say when they see it? Do you think they’ll still accept you after that?"

Riya sat frozen beneath him, horror spreading like ice through her veins.

She undeniably had feelings for Nathaniel and longed to be with him. However, what she cherished even more was her identity as the Grant family’s daughter.

The prestige, luxury, and recognition that came with their name were things she couldn’t risk giving up. If anyone in the family discovered her affection for Nathaniel, she would be doomed. They would cast her out. That’s why she had kept her feelings hidden for so long, because a single misstep could destroy everything she had.

But now, with the video, her entire façade was at risk.

"Please help me," she begged, tears brimming in her eyes, all traces of defiance vanished. "He can’t find out. No one in the family can ever know. I’m begging you."

The man’s expression didn’t soften. Instead, his gaze sharpened with interest. "Why would I help you?" he asked coolly. "What is in it for me?"

Riya’s pride crumbled under the weight of her desperation. She was willing to do anything. "I’ll do whatever you say. Just don’t let this get out. Please..."

A slow smirk spread across his face as he trailed a finger along her jawline and tipped her chin up. "Anything?" he repeated. "Are you sure?"

She hesitated. But she knew she had no choice. "Anything."

He finally let her go and leaned back in his seat. Riya gasped as if she had been underwater and just broken the surface.

"Spend the night with me."