Chapter 2 - THE COMPANY MY SON-IN-LAW DIDN'T KNOW I OWNED
Grant's name appeared in Meridian's financial investigation long before he insulted my coat.
That was the part he didn't understand.
He thought Christmas Eve had suddenly turned against him because he embarrassed a poor widow.
In reality, the truth had been approaching his family for months.
Charles ended his call and looked toward me.
“Mrs. Carter, there's been a misunderstanding.”
“About what?”
“The financial department says several payments require verification.”
I nodded.
“They do.”
Grant laughed nervously.
“Dad, why are you discussing work at Christmas?”
Charles turned toward him.
“Because this woman owns the company that pays my salary.”
Grant's jaw tightened.
I saw something flash across his face.
Not embarrassment.
Recognition.
He knew more than he wanted anyone to believe.
Rachel touched my arm.
“Mom, can we talk alone?”
I looked at her hand.
Two years ago, she'd married Grant in a lavish ceremony that cost more than my first warehouse.
I'd paid for most of it without telling anyone.
Rachel believed the money came from a small investment account her father had left behind.
I had allowed her to believe it.
“Not right now, sweetheart.”
She flinched.
I hadn't called her sweetheart in months.
Not because I'd stopped loving her.
Because every time I reached out, she seemed embarrassed to be reminded where she came from.
Diane suddenly smiled.
“Evelyn, why don't you stay for dinner? We have plenty of room.”
I looked toward the dining table.
Every place setting had a handwritten card.
Rachel.
Grant.
Charles.
Diane.
Twenty-three distinguished guests.
There wasn't one for me.
“I don't believe you planned for that.”
Diane's smile disappeared.
Charles rubbed his forehead.
“Please. We can have another place set.”
“No, thank you.”
I picked up the pie I'd brought.
Then I noticed something.
Grant had moved toward the hallway and was speaking urgently into his phone.
I caught only a few words.
“Cancel the transfer.”
My stomach tightened.
He turned.
Our eyes met.
He ended the call immediately.
I smiled.
“Something wrong, Grant?”
“No.”
“Business trouble?”
“Nothing you would understand.”
Charles closed his eyes.
“Son, please stop.”
But I was no longer interested in Grant's insults.
I was interested in the panic behind them.
My phone vibrated.
A message from my CFO, Margaret Collins.
We found a second account. The recipient is Whitmore Strategic Holdings. Grant is the registered managing member.
Then another message appeared.
Evelyn, there's something worse. Rachel's name is on the authorization documents.
I looked at my daughter.
May you like
She was standing beneath the Christmas tree, twisting her wedding ring.
And suddenly I realized my daughter might be connected to something far more dangerous than a cruel husband.
