Chapter 13 - What Brooke Left Behind
Arthur arrived at Meridian carrying one of the twins while his mother pushed the second child in a stroller.
He looked exhausted.
Brooke had been living in supervised housing as part of the court program. She was allowed to leave for work and counseling appointments but had to report every evening.
The previous night, she had not returned.
Her room contained no clothing, passport or money.
Only an old phone.
Arthur placed it on Victoria’s desk.
“There’s one recording.”
Victoria pressed play.
Brooke’s voice filled the office.
“If you’re hearing this, Grant knows I kept a copy. He never wanted Arthur. He wanted Meridian. The affair, the children, the public divorce—he used all of it to get close enough to destroy Victoria’s company.”
The recording ended.
Evelyn replayed it.
Arthur stared at the floor.
“You knew Grant was interested in Meridian,” Victoria said.
“I knew he wanted introductions to your clients. I thought he was trying to invest.”
“You gave him confidential information.”
“Nothing technical. Names, events, people he could approach.”
“You sold access to my life.”
Arthur did not deny it.
His mother looked away in shame.
Daniel examined Brooke’s phone. Most of its files had been erased remotely, but one unsent message remained in temporary storage.
It contained an address.
An abandoned lakeside property owned by one of Grant Holloway’s companies.
Arthur stood.
“I’m going there.”
“No,” Victoria replied.
“She may be in danger.”
“Then the police will go.”
Arthur’s voice hardened.
“You still think this is only about your company.”
May you like
Victoria looked toward the sleeping twins.
“No,” she said. “That is exactly why you are staying here.”
