Chapter 3 - THE FRIEND WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Mara checked into a hotel under her maiden name.
By morning, she had contacted an attorney experienced in healthcare licensing and professional identity fraud.
Her name was Evelyn Price.
Evelyn was fifty-two, direct, and unimpressed by the Caruso surname.
When Mara explained the document, Evelyn asked for a copy.
Mara handed it over.
Evelyn studied the signature.
“Did you authorize any part of this?”
“No.”
“Did you receive money?”
“No.”
“Did you attend any meetings?”
“No.”
Evelyn looked up.
“Then we need to establish that immediately.”
She explained that a forged professional endorsement could expose Mara to regulatory inquiries, employment consequences, and civil liability if third parties relied on it.
The underlying transaction needed investigation.
And Dominic's involvement could not be ignored merely because he was her husband.
Mara nodded.
“I understand.”
Evelyn watched her.
“Do you?”
Mara swallowed.
“I think I'm beginning to.”
That afternoon, Serena arrived at the hotel.
Mara refused to let her upstairs.
They met in the lobby.
Serena looked terrible.
Her eyes were swollen. Her expensive coat hung loosely from her shoulders.
“I never meant to hurt you,” Serena whispered.
Mara remained standing.
“Then tell me what you meant to do.”
Serena glanced around.
“I needed Dominic's help.”
“With what?”
“My brother.”
Mara frowned.
“Julian?”
Serena nodded.
Julian Vale had been Dominic's closest friend since childhood.
He was also Serena's older brother.
For years, Julian had managed parts of the Caruso organization's real-estate holdings.
Mara had always found him charming in the way she distrusted most charming men: he could make people laugh without ever answering a question.
“What does Julian have to do with my signature?”
Serena looked down.
“He made a deal with a healthcare investment group. He promised them access to hospital professionals who could help legitimize their acquisition.”
Mara's stomach tightened.
“And you volunteered me.”
Serena's eyes filled.
“He said it would only be a preliminary proposal.”
“Did Dominic know?”
“Yes.”
The answer was almost inaudible.
Mara stepped back.
Serena reached toward her.
“I thought if the deal succeeded, Julian would finally be free of the people he owes.”
Mara stared.
“You traded my professional reputation for your brother's debt.”
Serena began sobbing.
Mara felt no satisfaction.
Only exhaustion.
“Did you forge my signature?”
Serena hesitated.
“No.”
Mara studied her.
“Who did?”
May you like
Serena whispered:
“Julian.”
