Chapter 6 - Brandon’s Last Performance
Brandon came alone the next morning.
He looked exhausted. His hair was uncombed, and the confidence he wore like a tailored jacket had disappeared.
“Mom, I need you to trust me.”
Linda almost laughed.
Instead, she asked him to explain the project.
He described a luxury housing development north of the city. The permits were delayed. Costs had increased. One investor had withdrawn. The property transfer would unlock financing and protect everyone.
“Who is everyone?” Linda asked.
“The company. The employees. You, eventually.”
“How does risking my home protect me?”
He rubbed his face. “You don’t understand how these deals work.”
“I understand that Jessica benefits if you default.”
Brandon froze.
Only for a second, but Linda saw it.
“She told you?”
“No.”
“Then where did you hear that?”
Linda did not answer.
His fear turned into anger. “Jessica has worked harder for this company than anyone.”
“Harder than the contractors whose invoices you changed?”
The color left his face.
Linda’s heart broke in a quiet, final way.
He did not ask what she meant. He did not look confused.
He knew.
“Mom, listen to me.”
“Did you authorize documents with my signature?”
“I was going to tell you.”
“That is not an answer.”
“I knew you would agree once I explained.”
“You used my name before asking.”
“I was buying time.”
Linda stood. “No. You were spending trust you did not have.”
Brandon’s voice lowered. “If you don’t help me, I’m finished.”
Linda looked at her son and understood the sentence completely.
May you like
He was not asking whether she would save him.
He was warning her that he would blame her if she did not.
