“It creates a liability shield.”
He smiled.
“It protects both of us.”
Then he reached into the briefcase.
Pulled out a new packet of documents.
Placed a silver pen beside them.
“I already had the transfer deed drafted.”
He tapped the signature line.
“All I need is your signature.”
Then:
“And we lock in our financial security for the next decade.”
I slowly walked over.
Looked down.
His corporate seal appeared at the bottom.
Then I noticed another name.
Listed as senior vice president and co-owner.
Celeste.
The woman from the airport.
I pointed at it.
“Celeste.”
Adrian’s shoulders stiffened.
“I don’t remember you mentioning her.”
He recovered almost immediately.
“Oh.”
“Celeste is a consultant.”
“A consultant?”
“Junior corporate strategist.”
He shrugged.
“Her name has to be on some filings for tax reasons.”
I looked at him.
“A junior consultant.”
“Yes.”
“Interesting.”
I tilted my head.
“Is that why she puts her arms around your waist?”
Adrian stopped moving.
“And kisses you at Bellmere International Airport?”
The room went silent.
HIS FACE CHANGED
All color disappeared from Adrian’s face.
He stood so quickly his knee hit the coffee table.
The scotch glass rattled.
“What?”
I pulled out my phone.
“What are you talking about?”
I unlocked the recording.
Then pressed play.
Adrian’s own voice filled our living room.
“When the transfer goes through, she’s finished.”
Then Celeste.
“And the house?”
Adrian again.
“Already handled.”
Then:
“No accounts. No access. I’ll file immediately.”
Adrian stared at the phone.
His mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
The polished businessman disappeared.
What remained was a frightened man realizing the victim had heard the plan.
“Claire.”
His voice shook.
“Listen.”
“That isn’t—”
I held up one hand.
“Don’t.”
“Please.”
“You’re misunderstanding.”
I laughed once.
“Am I?”
“Celeste and I—”
“Save the affair explanation.”
His face tightened.
“This isn’t about you sleeping with Celeste.”
I pointed toward the transfer papers.
“It’s about attempted fraud.”
“WHILE YOU WERE PLOTTING, I WAS FREEZING YOUR ACCOUNTS.”
Adrian stared at me.
I continued.
“While you were standing at Bellmere International Airport discussing how to take my father’s house…”
His breathing changed.
“…Marcus was contacting the bank.”
Adrian went still.
“Marcus?”
“Yes.”
“Marcus Vance?”
“The same.”
His face changed again.
“He initiated a forensic audit of your startup.”
“No.”
“And the bank’s fraud department was notified before your transfer window opened.”
