Chapter 8 - THE GIFT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Two weeks after the anniversary party, Tom asked to meet me.
We chose a quiet café.
He looked exhausted.
He placed a folder on the table.
“I should have given you this earlier.”
I stared.
“What is it?”
“Everything I found.”
Inside were bank statements.
Photographs.
Copies of emails.
And messages between Rachel and Michael.
I didn't read them immediately.
I looked at Tom.
“Why did you wait until the party?”
He swallowed.
“I wanted Rachel to tell the truth herself.”
I stared.
“And when she didn't?”
“I lost my temper.”
He looked down.
“I thought exposing them in front of everyone would make them stop lying.”
I nodded slowly.
“Did it?”
“No.”
He looked ashamed.
“It just hurt you more.”
I studied him.
Then said:
“You were hurt too.”
He nodded.
“But that doesn't excuse what I did.”
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then he slid another document toward me.
A bank transfer.
Forty-eight thousand dollars.
From Briar Lake Properties to a personal account.
Rachel's account.
I stared.
“What is this?”
Tom looked at me.
“Part of the advance payment.”
My stomach tightened.
“And the rest?”
He hesitated.
“Michael transferred a large portion to an investment account.”
I looked up.
“In whose name?”
Tom swallowed.
“Yours.”
I froze.
“What?”
May you like
He nodded.
“Claire, I think they're preparing to blame you if the deal falls apart.”
