Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 107

107 Chapter 107 Trapped in Venom

Ivy’s POV 1

My return to Thorne Syndicate headquarters felt like stepping into a war zone. Between Gemma’s explosive confrontation with Monica, Dominic’s rage over Gemma being attacked, and the venomous whispers circulating that I was sleeping my way to power within the family, the day had been utterly draining.

At least Monica’s elimination brought some relief. Working alongside someone who clearly wanted to destroy me would have been impossible. The executive floor felt lighter without her toxic presence, and Caleb and I were so buried in laundering operations that our usual flirtation took a backseat to deadlines and damage control from the recent family conflicts.

That afternoon brought a different kind of tension. Gemma and I were returning from a meeting at one of our front businesses, chatting about weekend plans as we stepped into the private elevator that serviced the family floors. The familiar ding announced another passenger, and my stomach dropped when Rossi slid through the closing doors.

The confined space suddenly felt suffocating. As the elevator began its ascent, Rossi shifted closer, invading my personal space with deliberate intent. His proximity made my skin crawl.

“Feeling pretty confident now that you have Caleb wrapped around your finger, aren’t you?” His voice dripped with contempt.

I pressed my back against the elevator wall, fighting to keep my voice steady. “That’s not your concern, sir.”

“Oh, but it absolutely is my concern, you manipulative little parasite.” The hatred in his eyes was palpable. “Caleb belongs to my daughter, and I won’t let some street trash ruin what’s meant to be.”

Gemma stepped forward, her protective instincts kicking in. “Sir, you need to step back. This is completely inappropriate behavior.”

Rossi’s laugh was cruel and sharp. “Look, the other opportunist has something to say too. Let me make something crystal clear to both of you. Your days in this family are numbered. Start planning your exit because you’ll be back in whatever gutter you

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crawled out of soon enough.”

Heat flooded my cheeks as anger overrode my fear. “You have no right to speak to us this way.”

“Rights?” Rossi’s mock amusement was sickening. “He’ll use you until he’s bored, then toss you aside like yesterday’s garbage. Your little friend here will go down with you when that happens. And trust me, it won’t take long.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a poisonous whisper. “Did you know he was quite intimate with my daughter? Oh yes, they have history. Real, passionate history.”

My throat constricted. I’d heard whispers about Caleb’s past with Yara, but hearing it delivered like a weapon made bile rise in my throat.

Gemma’s voice shook with fury. “Enough. I’m calling for backup right now. This harassment ends here.” She fumbled for her phone with trembling fingers.

The elevator chimed as we reached our floor. Rossi straightened his tie with smug satisfaction. “Consider this friendly advice, Ivy. Walking away with dignity beats getting carried out in pieces.” The doors began to slide open, but he couldn’t resist one final blow. “Yara mentioned how wonderfully passionate Caleb can be in bed. Such vivid details.”

The doors sealed shut, trapping us with his lingering malice. My knees buckled as the full impact of his words hit me. Gemma caught me as tears spilled down my cheeks, her arms wrapping around me protectively.

When the elevator opened again, I was struggling to compose myself. We stepped onto the executive floor to find Caleb, Xavier, and Dominic clustered in the reception area, their conversation halting when they saw my tear–stained face.

“Tesoro, what happened?” Caleb was on his feet instantly, concern etched across his features.

I couldn’t form words. The humiliation and hurt had stolen my voice.

Gemma’s anger blazed as she spoke for me. “Rossi cornered us in the elevator. He called us street trash, told us to go back to whatever gutter we came from, and made sure to mention how passionate you were with his precious daughter. He described it in detail.”

Caleb’s face transformed, rage replacing concern in seconds. “That bastard.” His voice was deadly quiet. “Tesoro, you know none of that matters. You know I love you. The

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only reason I haven’t put a bullet in him yet is because I need to be strategic about it.”

“But you did sleep with her.” The words tasted bitter as I spoke them, stepping away from his reaching hands. “That part is true.”

I escaped to my office with Gemma close behind, leaving Caleb to deal with Dominic’s explosive reaction.

“That piece of garbage won’t keep attacking my woman,” Dominic’s voice carried through the walls. “And he sure as hell won’t keep tormenting Ivy. If you don’t handle this, Caleb, I will.”

“I’ll take care of it,” Caleb’s response was grim with promise.

The remainder of the day passed in a fog of hurt and frustration. Despite Gemma’s logical arguments that Rossi was deliberately trying to manipulate my emotions, I couldn’t shake the images his words had planted in my mind.

As closing time approached, Caleb summoned us to his office. A burly man in a dark suit stood beside his desk, the telltale bulge of a shoulder holster visible beneath his jacket.

“Ladies, meet Caleb from our security team. He’ll be stationed at the elevator entrance. Whenever you need to leave this floor, he’ll escort you and ensure no one can trap you like that again.”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Caleb, having a bodyguard feels excessive.”

“It’s about protection, not surveillance,” he countered firmly.

“It does seem a bit much,” Gemma agreed hesitantly.

Caleb’s expression softened slightly. “Gemma, Dominic demanded immediate action. I can’t remove Rossi from the equation yet, but I can prevent him from poisoning your mind with his lies. Look at how upset you are, angel. I can’t stand seeing you like this.”

“Just in the elevator?” I needed clarification.

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