The Petty Secretary Vs The Literal Sister Chapter 12

The Petty Secretary Vs The Literal Sister Chapter 12

Thorne Digital Solutions came under full investigation.

Every asset connected to Felix was frozen.

When Sloane heard the news from inside, she finally broke.

She confessed everything–every detail of the data transfers, every transaction, every instruction.

And then she gave investigators something even uglier.

Gavin hadn’t chosen Maren by accident.

He had deliberately scoured the city’s wealthy families, targeting heiress until he settled on her.

Because she was gentle. Because she avoided conflict. Because, in his words, she was “easy to

hold onto.”

He had even bribed Maren’s therapist.

Together, they crafted a personality profile designed to become exactly the kind of man she would

fall for.

According to Sloane, Gavin once laughed and said, “The moment she met me, she never had a

chance.”

When Maren heard that line, she sat quietly for a few seconds.

Then she nodded. “Got it.”

I nearly laughed from sheer disbelief.

No wonder Maren had fallen so hard. The whole thing had been a professional con job.

Months later, Gavin sent a letter through his attorney.

Maren refused to read it. I did.

It was packed with regret, excuses, circumstances beyond his control.

He admitted he’d approached Maren because of the project.

But claimed that somewhere along the way, he’d genuinely fallen in love with her.

Sloane was a mistake. Drew was a threat. Felix used him.

And, according to the letter, the person he’d hurt most was Maren.

After I finished reading, I asked her, “Want me to summarize it?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“If his love means I have to go to jail for him, put up with his secretary, and bail out his company-

then I don’t want it.”

I was so proud I nearly burst out cheering. That line was at least thirty percent me.

Eventually, Gavin was formally charged with commercial espionage, illegally obtaining private

information, and assisting in data–related crimes.

Felix got an even harsher sentence.

Six months later, Maren stopped hiding at home. She also stopped trying to prove she was all

better.

Instead, she started learning things. Painting. Boxing classes. And the art of saying no.

The first time someone asked to borrow her notes and she refused, she came home practically

glowing.

“Drew! I said no!”

I looked up. “And then?”

“He said I was being selfish.”

“How’d you answer?”

Maren cleared her throat and copied my tone perfectly.

“Yep. I’m selfish. If you have a problem with that, feel free to submit it as a formal thesis.”

I nodded. “Not bad. But next time, tell him to cite his sources.”

She collapsed onto the couch laughing. Mom and Dad cracked up too.

A year later, I became the head of a new initiative at Callahan Holdings.

Our focus was medical data compliance and ethical auditing.

Mom said it was the perfect place to channel my personality. I agreed.

I’ve been stubborn since childhood.

Really, I was the best one at figuring out what people are trying to hide behind polished words.