Chapter 4 - Olivia’s Promise
Olivia believed she had already won.
She sent Victor photographs from luxury apartments in Lisbon, Barcelona and Monaco. She researched private schools despite having no children and chose furniture for a home purchased with stolen money.
Claire learned this because Victor had synchronized his tablet with the family computer.
One afternoon, a message appeared while Claire was sitting beside him.
OLIVIA: How much longer do I have to pretend she doesn’t exist?
Victor quickly closed the screen.
“Business issue,” he said.
Claire continued drinking her tea.
A week later, Olivia came to the house for a company dinner.
She wore a pale gold dress and greeted Claire with exaggerated warmth.
“Victor tells me you don’t involve yourself in the company.”
“Not anymore,” Claire replied.
“That must be relaxing.”
“It gives me time to notice things.”
Olivia’s smile faltered.
Across the room, Victor watched them closely.
Later, Claire found Olivia alone near the staircase.
“You have a lovely home,” Olivia said. “It must be difficult maintaining something this large.”
“I manage.”
“Some women aren’t suited to being alone.”
Claire met her eyes.
“Neither are some men.”
Olivia looked away first.
That night, Victor accused Claire of embarrassing him.
“You made Olivia uncomfortable.”
“I answered her questions.”
“She’s important to the company.”
Claire almost laughed.
Instead, she apologized.
Victor relaxed immediately.
He had mistaken restraint for weakness once again.
After he went to sleep, Claire opened the DAWN folder and added a recorded voicemail Victor had accidentally sent her.
His voice was unmistakable.
By next month, everything will be transferred. Claire won’t understand what happened until we’re gone.
For Naomi and Ethan, the voicemail was the final proof of intent.
May you like
They contacted Detective Maren Shaw of the financial crimes unit.
The investigation officially began the following morning.
