Chapter 4 - The Woman in Pale Pink
Sabrina Vale had worked at Whitmore Aeronautics for four years.
Officially, she was the director of corporate communications. She attended executive meetings, managed press relations, and advised the leadership team during public crises.
Unofficially, she had become Richard’s closest confidante.
Clara had invited Sabrina to dinners, charity events, and even her baby shower. Sabrina had brought a handmade blanket and cried when Clara opened it.
Now every memory felt contaminated.
Naomi’s investigators traced several payments from Northstar Strategic Holdings to a luxury apartment registered in Sabrina’s name. Northstar had also paid for jewelry, international travel, and private medical appointments.
Clara needed to understand whether Sabrina was helping Richard steal the company or simply benefiting from him.
On Thursday afternoon, Clara visited headquarters without warning.
She found Sabrina leaving Richard’s office.
Sabrina wore a pale pink blouse and carried a folder against her chest. She stopped when she saw Clara.
“I didn’t know you were coming in.”
“Neither did Richard.”
Sabrina forced a smile.
“How are you feeling?”
“Tired.”
“You should be resting.”
“So everyone keeps telling me.”
Clara’s gaze dropped to the folder. On its edge, she saw the Northstar logo.
Sabrina quickly turned it over.
“Marketing reports,” she said.
Clara smiled gently.
“Of course.”
Inside Richard’s office, Clara noticed two coffee cups and Sabrina’s perfume lingering in the air.
Richard stood behind his desk.
“You should have called.”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
His eyes moved toward the door Sabrina had just closed.
Clara crossed the room and kissed his cheek.
“I’ve been thinking about the authorization papers.”
Richard became still.
“And?”
“I’m ready to sign.”
Relief appeared too quickly on his face.
“That’s the right decision.”
“I left the documents at home. We can discuss them after dinner tomorrow.”
Richard placed both hands on her shoulders.
“You have no idea how much easier this will make everything.”
Clara looked into the eyes of the man she had married.
For a moment, she wanted to ask him why she had not been enough.
Then she understood that his betrayal had nothing to do with her value.
It was about his hunger.
He did not merely want another woman.
He wanted Clara’s company, Clara’s inheritance, Clara’s authority, and the power to decide what happened to Clara’s child.
She stepped away from him.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
As she walked toward the elevator, Sabrina watched from the end of the corridor.
May you like
Her expression contained no guilt.
Only impatience.
