Chapter 8 - The Woman at the Airport
Olivia tried to separate herself from Victor immediately.
She claimed she had believed the money was legitimate and that Victor had promised Claire approved every transfer.
The evidence told a different story.
Investigators recovered messages in which Olivia encouraged Victor to copy Claire’s signature more accurately. She had also created several false invoices and personally managed one of the shell companies.
Two days after Victor’s arrest, Olivia appeared at Claire’s gate.
A security camera recorded her standing in the rain, wearing dark glasses and holding a folder above her head.
Claire spoke through the intercom.
“What do you want?”
“I can help you,” Olivia said. “I know things about Victor.”
“So do the investigators.”
“He manipulated both of us.”
Claire almost felt sorry for her.
Almost.
“You came into my home. You mocked me while helping my husband steal property left by my father.”
“I was in love.”
“No. You were expecting to become rich.”
Olivia’s face tightened.
“Victor said you were weak.”
“He needed you to believe that.”
Olivia held the folder closer to her chest.
“If I give you information, will you ask the prosecutor to be lenient?”
“That is not my decision.”
“Claire, please.”
Claire watched the woman who had once chosen furniture for her stolen home.
“You should give them the truth because it is the right thing to do, not because you expect another woman to rescue you from your choices.”
Claire ended the call.
Olivia remained at the gate for several minutes before leaving.
Later, she turned over additional records and accepted responsibility for her role in the scheme.
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Claire did not celebrate Olivia’s downfall.
She simply closed the gate and returned to rebuilding what they had tried to destroy.
