Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN WHO WORE HER BRACELET
Sloane Avery had always believed she was destined for more.
More money.
More influence.
More recognition.
She had joined Crosswell Dynamics five years earlier as a senior strategy manager.
Within three years, she became vice president of strategic development.
She was intelligent.
Ambitious.
And excellent at making powerful men feel indispensable.
Nathaniel had been easy.
He loved admiration.
He loved being told he was brilliant.
And he loved the idea that a beautiful younger executive understood him better than his wife.
Sloane had encouraged that belief.
But she hadn't expected Rebecca to be connected to Langford Capital.
That changed everything.
The morning after Nathaniel's suspension, Sloane arrived at her office to find her access badge disabled.
A security officer directed her to human resources.
Her attorney was contacted.
She was informed that she had been placed on leave pending investigation.
Sloane stared.
“You can't do this.”
The HR director remained calm.
“This is a temporary measure while the company reviews the relevant transactions.”
Sloane's face tightened.
“Rebecca Cross is behind this.”
The director didn't respond.
Sloane stood.
“This is personal.”
The HR director looked at her.
“The review concerns business conduct and financial records.”
Sloane grabbed her handbag.
Then walked out.
That afternoon, she called Nathaniel.
He answered on the third ring.
“What?”
“Nate, they suspended me.”
He sighed.
“I know.”
“Rebecca did this.”
“Sloane—”
“She wants to ruin us.”
Nathaniel was silent.
Sloane continued.
“You need to stop her.”
“How?”
“Talk to her.”
He laughed bitterly.
“She won't answer my calls.”
“Then go to her father's house.”
Nathaniel's voice hardened.
“I'm not doing that.”
Sloane went silent.
“What?”
“I said no.”
She stared at the phone.
For months, Nathaniel had promised her a future.
A penthouse.
Travel.
A life without Rebecca.
Now he sounded like a man who wanted to crawl back into his marriage.
Sloane whispered, “You still love her.”
Nathaniel didn't answer.
That silence told her everything.
Rebecca learned about Sloane's suspension from Eleanor.
She listened without satisfaction.
“Will the company investigate the consulting fees?”
“Yes.”
“And the bracelet?”
Eleanor raised an eyebrow.
“What bracelet?”
Rebecca showed her a photograph.
Sloane wearing a diamond bracelet at the acquisition dinner.
Nathaniel had told Rebecca he'd purchased it for an important client.
Eleanor studied the image.
“Do you know how it was paid for?”
“No.”
“Then we shouldn't assume.”
Rebecca nodded.
“I know.”
Eleanor smiled faintly.
“You're handling this carefully.”
Rebecca looked toward the window.
“I've spent twelve years cleaning up Nathaniel's messes.”
She paused.
“I'm not going to create one of my own.”
That evening, Rebecca received a handwritten letter.
No return address.
Inside was a single page.
Rebecca,
I know you hate me.
You have every reason to.
But Nathaniel lied to both of us.
And there's something about the Westbridge deal you need to know.
Meet me tomorrow.
—Sloane
Rebecca stared at the letter.
Then called Eleanor.
“I think Sloane wants to talk.”
Eleanor sighed.
“Then she can talk through counsel.”
Rebecca nodded.
“Agreed.”
But something about the letter unsettled her.
Not the apology.
Not the claim that Nathaniel lied.
The last sentence.
May you like
There's something about the Westbridge deal you need to know.
Rebecca had a terrible feeling the worst secret hadn't been discovered yet.
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