Chapter 4 - THE RICH WOMAN WHO PLANNED THE KISS
Catherine Voss hadn't chosen me by accident.
That was the first thing investigators discovered when they reviewed the ballroom footage and her communications.
She had arrived at the charity ball knowing exactly who I was.
She had watched me work.
Waited until I was alone.
Then offered me ten thousand dollars to kiss Ravi Greedy.
I sat across from Detective Laura Mitchell the following morning.
Ravi had introduced us after I agreed to file a statement about the forged trust documents.
Detective Mitchell opened a folder.
"Miss Harper, do you know Catherine Voss?"
"No."
"Have you ever met her before the gala?"
"Never."
She showed me a photograph.
Catherine stood outside my apartment building.
The timestamp was from three weeks earlier.
My stomach tightened.
"Why was she there?"
"We're investigating."
I stared at the image.
Sadi walked in the background carrying her school backpack.
My throat closed.
"That's my sister."
Detective Mitchell nodded.
"We believe Catherine had been monitoring your family."
I gripped the edge of the table.
"Why?"
Ravi sat beside me.
He looked furious, but remained silent.
Mitchell continued.
"We found communications between Catherine and Gabriel Greedy."
She placed a transcript on the table.
Catherine had written:
The older Harper girl works at the hotel Friday. I'll handle her.
Gabriel replied:
Make sure Ravi notices her. Then he'll be distracted.
My stomach twisted.
"This wasn't about embarrassing Ravi?"
"Apparently not."
I looked toward him.
He stared at the transcript.
"Gabriel wanted me occupied during the charity ball."
Detective Mitchell nodded.
"While he attempted to move money overseas."
I felt sick.
The kiss had been a distraction.
My humiliation had been part of someone's financial escape plan.
But why use me?
Ravi looked toward the detective.
"Did Catherine know about the trust?"
"Yes."
I stared.
"Then she knew Sadi and I were struggling?"
Mitchell nodded.
"She had information about your finances."
The room seemed to tilt.
Catherine had looked me in the eyes.
Offered me money.
Watched me risk my job and safety.
And laughed.
I lowered my head.
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then Ravi said something unexpected.
"Miss Harper, the ten thousand dollars she promised you will be addressed separately. But the trust money belongs to your family if the documents confirm your claim."
I looked up.
"Why are you helping me?"
His expression softened.
"Because your father once helped me when nobody else could."
I shook my head.
"That doesn't mean you owe me your life."
"No."
He paused.
"But I owe you the truth."
My phone vibrated.
Sadi.
I answered immediately.
"Hey, sweetheart."
Her voice shook.
"Diane?"
My heart tightened.
"What's wrong?"
"There's a man outside our apartment."
I stood.
"What man?"
"He says he's from the bank."
I felt cold.
"Don't open the door."
May you like
Sadi began crying.
"He already has a key."
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