Chapter 9 - THE BEST FRIEND WHO TOOK THE MONEY
Sarah Mitchell started crying before I said a word.
That frightened me more than anger would have.
Because Sarah wasn't dramatic.
She was the friend who brought groceries when I had the flu.
The one who sat beside me after my first miscarriage.
The one who offered her guest room when Ryan changed the locks.
And now she stood in a conference room with tears streaming down her cheeks while a financial report showed ten thousand dollars connected to her name.
"Emily, please."
I stepped backward.
"Did you take the money?"
She covered her mouth.
"Yes."
My chest tightened.
For a moment, I couldn't breathe.
"You told me you refused."
"I know."
"Why?"
Sarah looked toward Noah and Rebecca.
Then back at me.
"Because Ryan said he'd ruin my life if I didn't."
I stared.
"What?"
"He knew about my father's medical debts. He knew I was behind on rent. He told me he could make everything disappear."
My voice broke.
"And what did you give him?"
Sarah swallowed.
"Nothing."
I shook my head.
"I don't believe you."
"I took the money, Emily. But I didn't give him your address."
Tears filled her eyes.
"I couldn't."
I stared.
"Then why pay you?"
She looked down.
"Because I agreed to something else."
My stomach twisted.
"What?"
"He wanted me to convince you to come to Chicago."
The room went silent.
I felt cold.
"Why?"
Sarah began sobbing.
"He said you'd be safer here. He told me dangerous people were watching you in Texas."
I looked toward Noah.
His expression had changed.
Rebecca leaned forward.
"Did Ryan tell you anything about Whitman Group?"
Sarah shook her head.
"No."
"Did he ask you to put Emily on a particular flight?"
Sarah nodded slowly.
My heart stopped.
"What?"
"He sent me a link to the flight and said it was the safest option."
I stared at her.
I'd thought I chose the ticket myself.
But Sarah had forwarded me a travel deal.
The exact flight Noah was on.
I turned toward him.
He looked stunned.
"Emily, I didn't know."
I wanted to scream.
Instead, I sat down.
Everything felt manipulated.
My marriage.
My departure.
My flight.
Even the two hours I'd spent sleeping on a stranger's shoulder.
I looked at Sarah.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
She cried harder.
"Because I was ashamed."
I swallowed.
"Did you know Noah would be on that plane?"
"No."
I studied her face.
Then looked toward Rebecca.
"Can we verify her story?"
Rebecca nodded.
"We can review the messages and transaction records with her consent."
Sarah immediately handed over her phone.
"I'll give you everything."
For the first time, I believed she might be telling the truth.
But the damage remained.
Then Noah's phone rang.
He listened.
His expression grew darker with every second.
"What do you mean the flight was changed?"
I looked up.
He ended the call.
"Emily, someone altered the booking linked to my corporate travel account."
My heart pounded.
"Who?"
"We don't know yet."
He looked toward Rebecca.
"The original flight was scheduled for the next morning."
A long silence followed.
May you like
Then Noah turned toward me.
"Someone arranged for us to be on the same plane."
Related Stories
