Chapter 4 - THE BEST FRIEND'S LIE
Julian Vale entered Dominic's office the following morning with the confidence of a man who believed friendship was a permanent form of immunity.
He poured himself coffee.
Dominic didn't offer him a chair.
“Did you forge Mara's signature?”
Julian stopped.
“Serena told you?”
“Answer me.”
Julian set down the cup.
“It was a preliminary document.”
“Did you forge it?”
Julian shrugged.
“We needed the proposal to look credible.”
Dominic crossed the room so quickly Julian stepped backward.
For a moment, the old Dominic Caruso appeared.
The man who had built his reputation on making betrayal expensive.
But he stopped before touching Julian.
“Get out of my business.”
Julian laughed nervously.
“Dom, don't be dramatic.”
Dominic stared.
“You used my wife.”
“You approved the arrangement.”
“I approved a meeting to discuss legitimate medical investments. I never approved a forged signature.”
Julian's expression changed.
“That's not exactly how I remember it.”
Dominic went still.
Julian reached into his jacket and removed a small digital recorder.
“I kept our conversation.”
He pressed play.
Dominic's voice filled the room.
If Mara's name helps us secure the deal, use it. I'll handle her.
Dominic felt the blood leave his face.
He remembered the conversation.
A late-night discussion after several drinks.
Julian had been asking about a hypothetical endorsement.
Dominic had spoken carelessly.
Arrogantly.
As though his wife's professional identity were another asset under his control.
Julian stopped the recording.
“You gave permission.”
Dominic stared at him.
“For a discussion. Not a forgery.”
Julian smiled.
“Tell that to the investigators.”
For the first time, Dominic understood the trap.
Julian had not merely used Mara's name.
He had built the transaction so that Dominic would carry the blame when it collapsed.
Across the city, Mara received an email from an unfamiliar address.
The subject line read:
YOUR HUSBAND IS NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO LIED.
Attached was a financial spreadsheet.
It showed payments routed through Harborlight.
One entry caught her attention.
S. VALE — CONSULTING FEE — $450,000
Mara stared at the screen.
May you like
Serena had not simply been helping her brother.
She had been paid.
