Chapter 7 - THE LAST PERFORMANCE
Daniel welcomed Elena home with flowers.
He apologized for raising his voice. He blamed stress, debt, and the pressure of protecting his sister. He promised that once the wedding ended, they would travel somewhere quiet and rebuild their marriage.
Elena listened while the bracelet recorded every word.
“Will the money be returned?” she asked.
“After Westbridge closes.”
“And if it doesn’t close?”
“It will.”
“Did Victor create Northbridge for you?”
Daniel stopped pouring wine.
“You said you wanted to move past this.”
“I do. I need to understand what happened.”
He studied her face.
Then he smiled.
“Victor created the company because vendors were asking questions. Northbridge kept the payments separate from Mercer Holdings.”
“That sounds illegal.”
“It sounds efficient.”
Later that night, Celeste entered Elena’s bedroom carrying the torn agreement, which had been taped back together.
“You will sign this before the wedding,” she said.
“I thought Daniel said we were moving forward.”
“Daniel has always been weak where you are concerned.”
Elena turned slightly so the bracelet faced Celeste.
“Did you know he forged my signature?”
Celeste’s eyes narrowed.
“I knew he did what was necessary.”
“For Brianna’s wedding?”
“For this family.”
“And the Westbridge investors?”
Celeste’s expression changed.
Elena had touched the real secret.
“There are no investors you need to worry about,” Celeste replied.
“How many people did Daniel deceive?”
Celeste stepped closer.
“You should worry less about strangers and more about what happens to women who betray their husbands.”
Elena’s heart raced, but she held her ground.
“Is that another threat?”
Celeste smiled.
“It is advice.”
After she left, Elena locked the door and sent the recording to Naomi.
The response arrived minutes later.
We have enough for warrants, but we need the original ledger. It may be moved after the wedding.
May you like
Elena knew exactly where to find it.
Inside the red folder in Daniel’s office.
