Chapter 2 - THE WOMAN IN THE SCARLET COAT
At 9:06 the following morning, Adrian walked into our kitchen carrying coffee.
He looked rested.
Happy, even.
I was sitting at the island with my laptop open.
“Morning, beautiful,” he said.
I looked up.
“Morning.”
He placed a cup beside me.
“Sorry about last night.”
I stared at the coffee.
“Long meeting?”
He sighed.
“Brutal.”
I nodded.
“Did you close the deal?”
“Not yet. But we're close.”
He leaned against the counter.
“Actually, I have some good news.”
I looked at him.
“Oh?”
“The Vale Harbor board is warming up to us.”
I smiled faintly.
“Really?”
“Absolutely.”
He took a sip.
“Once we finalize the partnership, MorganWell will be operating in twelve luxury properties.”
I watched him.
He had no idea.
No idea that the woman sitting across from him could approve or reject the entire arrangement.
No idea that I'd seen him with Celeste.
No idea that his signature was now being examined by my attorney.
“That's wonderful,” I said.
Adrian smiled.
“I knew you'd be proud.”
I looked down at my laptop.
“Of course.”
He kissed my forehead.
Then his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen.
His expression changed.
“Work,” he said.
I nodded.
“Of course.”
He stepped into the hallway.
But not before I saw the name.
CELESTE.
After he left, I called Margaret.
She answered immediately.
“Elise.”
“Did you find anything?”
Her voice was careful.
“Yes.”
I closed my eyes.
“What?”
“The reservation authorization was submitted through an internal executive account.”
“Whose?”
She hesitated.
“Your husband's.”
I stared at the wall.
“Adrian doesn't work for Vale Harbor.”
“No.”
“Then how did he get access?”
Margaret paused.
“Someone inside the company granted it.”
I swallowed.
“Who?”
“We're investigating.”
May you like
I looked toward the hallway where Adrian had disappeared.
For the first time, I understood that his affair might be the smallest part of what he'd been hiding.
