Chapter 7 - The Empire Behind the Smile
The investigation expanded quickly.
Atlantic Coast Bank discovered that Derek had submitted several misleading asset statements. The apartment was not the only property he had misrepresented.
Hale Coastal Development had attracted investors by claiming ownership interests in buildings that were still under negotiation. Derek shifted money between accounts before financial reviews, creating the appearance of greater cash reserves.
He had also used Skylar’s trust distributions to cover company expenses.
Some transfers had been disguised as household payments.
Others were labeled consulting fees to businesses controlled by Suzanne.
Mara brought the records to Skylar in a conference room overlooking downtown Miami.
“The total is higher than we expected,” she said.
Skylar studied the spreadsheet.
For years, Derek had criticized her for spending too much on groceries, gifts, and clothing. He had made her justify small purchases while secretly transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“How did I not see this?”
“You were given incomplete information,” Mara said. “That is different from being careless.”
“I reviewed financial documents for a living.”
“You trusted your husband. He used that trust as a hiding place.”
Skylar leaned back.
“Will the investors lose everything?”
“Some may lose money. Others may recover funds through insurance or restitution. The company will probably collapse.”
Skylar thought she would feel triumphant.
Instead, she felt tired.
Derek had employed dozens of people. Many had believed in the projects he promised to build.
His collapse would not affect only him.
Caroline Brooks from Palmer Investments called that afternoon.
“I heard about the investigation,” she said. “You don’t need to explain personal details.”
“Thank you.”
“I do need to ask whether you want time away from the new position.”
Skylar looked at the financial records spread across the table.
“No. I want to work.”
“Then we’ll adjust your schedule around legal appointments.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know.”
The simple kindness nearly made Skylar cry.
Over the following weeks, she began rebuilding a routine.
She worked from a temporary office while repairs were made to the apartment. She attended medical appointments. She met with investigators and answered questions about the trust.
At night, she stayed with Mara rather than sleeping alone in the half-empty apartment.
Derek was released pending formal charges under strict conditions. A protective order prohibited him from contacting Skylar directly.
He attempted to reach her through friends.
Some messages were apologetic.
Derek was under stress. He had made a terrible mistake. Their marriage deserved privacy.
Other messages were threatening.
Derek knew powerful people. Skylar would be blamed for the company’s collapse. No respectable employer would trust someone who destroyed her husband publicly.
Skylar saved every message.
She replied to none.
Suzanne hired her own attorney and began cooperating with investigators. She admitted that she had helped Derek prepare documents and conceal letters sent to Skylar.
In exchange, she hoped to reduce her own legal consequences.
During a recorded interview, Suzanne was asked why she had supported her brother.
“Derek always took care of the family,” she said.
The investigator placed a series of bank transfers in front of her.
“According to these records, you received over two hundred thousand dollars from accounts containing funds belonging to Skylar’s trust.”
Suzanne lowered her eyes.
“He said she agreed.”
“You told him to copy her old signature.”
Suzanne had no answer.
When Mara showed Skylar the interview summary, Skylar felt no satisfaction.
Suzanne had spent years presenting herself as loyal and morally superior.
May you like
In the end, her loyalty had been purchased.
Derek’s had been no different.
