Chapter 4 - THE FIRST SECRET
“Did you access my email?”
Daniel set the folder down.
“Don't make this into something sinister.”
I stared at him.
“Answer me.”
“We share a home.”
“Not an inbox.”
His expression hardened.
“Claire, I have a right to know whether my wife is communicating with a business rival.”
“About a nonprofit housing program?”
“Nothing involving Julian Hart is innocent.”
I folded my arms.
“Then explain why.”
Daniel looked toward the windows.
For a moment, I thought he might finally tell me the truth.
Instead, he said, “He's trying to undermine me.”
“How?”
“He's approaching my investors.”
“Why?”
“Because he wants control.”
I waited.
Daniel's patience snapped.
“Why are you interrogating me?”
“Because you keep demanding trust while refusing to give me information.”
He stepped closer.
“You don't understand what men like Hart are capable of.”
I looked at him.
“Then perhaps you should stop making decisions that require me to be afraid of everyone except you.”
He stared.
I walked past him.
That evening, I changed my passwords.
I also contacted an attorney.
Not a divorce attorney.
Not yet.
A lawyer specializing in privacy, marital property, and financial disclosures.
Her name was Rebecca Sloan.
She listened carefully.
Then asked whether I had independent access to our joint financial records.
I hesitated.
Daniel handled most of our investments.
I had access to our household account and personal savings, but the larger assets were managed through entities I rarely examined.
Rebecca asked me to gather documents I was legally entitled to access and avoid entering accounts that weren't mine.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because when someone begins controlling information, it's important to understand your position before making decisions.”
I nodded.
Then she asked whether Daniel had ever threatened me.
“No.”
“Has he restricted your access to money?”
“Not directly.”
“Has he discouraged you from working?”
I looked down.
“He says I don't need to.”
Rebecca was quiet.
Then said, “Those distinctions matter. We'll work with facts.”
I appreciated that.
For the first time, someone wasn't telling me what my marriage meant.
She was helping me understand my choices.
Two days later, Margaret called.
“Claire, we have a problem.”
My stomach tightened.
“What happened?”
“One of our donors withdrew a substantial pledge.”
“Who?”
Margaret hesitated.
“A company connected to Mercer Logistics.”
I sat down.
“How substantial?”
“Enough to delay the housing program.”
I closed my eyes.
Then Margaret added something worse.
“The withdrawal letter says the program presents a conflict with your husband's commercial interests.”
I stared at the wall.
May you like
Daniel had reached into the one part of my life that still felt like mine.
And he had begun taking it apart.
