Chapter 6 - THE FIRST TIME SHE WALKED AWAY
Audrey packed one suitcase.
Not two.
Not the collection of designer clothing Victoria had occasionally thrown her way.
Just one.
Clothes.
Her laptop.
Her mother's photograph.
A small box containing the letters her grandmother had written before she died.
She left the family jewelry.
The expensive watches.
The gifts her father used to apologize without speaking.
Then she called her attorney.
Her name was Evelyn Brooks.
A corporate litigator who had once represented Gallagher Holdings.
Audrey had helped Evelyn during a difficult restructuring.
Now she needed the favor returned.
"I need independent counsel," Audrey said.
Evelyn listened.
Then asked:
"How serious?"
"Potential identity theft, fraudulent financial authorizations, and corporate misconduct."
A pause.
"Audrey, are you safe?"
She looked toward the door.
"I don't know."
"Then leave the penthouse."
"I'm packing."
"Good. Come to my office."
Audrey closed her suitcase.
As she reached the hallway, Victoria appeared.
"Where are you going?"
"Out."
Victoria laughed.
"With a suitcase?"
Audrey looked at her.
"I'm moving."
Her sister stared.
"Don't be ridiculous."
Audrey walked past.
Victoria grabbed her arm.
"Daddy needs you."
Audrey stopped.
For years, those words had been enough.
Daddy needs you.
The company needs you.
The family needs you.
She had sacrificed sleep.
Friends.
Relationships.
Opportunities.
Everything.
And still they had treated her as disposable.
Audrey gently removed Victoria's hand.
"Then Daddy should learn how to manage his own money."
Victoria's face twisted.
"You ungrateful little—"
Audrey turned.
"No."
Her voice was calm.
"You don't get to insult me and then demand that I save you."
Victoria stared.
Audrey continued.
"You've spent years telling me no man would ever want me."
Her sister smirked.
"And?"
Audrey lifted her chin.
"Maybe I should spend some time learning what I want."
She walked toward the elevator.
Victoria called after her.
"You'll come crawling back!"
Audrey didn't turn.
May you like
The elevator doors closed.
And for the first time in twenty-four years, she left the Gallagher penthouse without asking permission.
