Chapter 13
476words
James stood in the office doorway, and I swear every woman in the room developed sudden neck problems trying to get a better look.
"That would be me..."
Vanessa's flirtatious tone made my stomach turn.
I'd almost forgotten what a shameless opportunist she was.
Always ready to follow the strongest current.
But Vanessa had no idea what hurricane was about to hit her.
"This is a legal notice being served on behalf of Sophie Sullivan."
"For your baseless defamation against Ms. Sullivan, we're seeking compensatory damages..."
The suit-clad shark beside James rattled off legal jargon that made my head spin.
I glanced at James in confusion, and he gave me a reassuring smile.
My brain: ??????
"You—what evidence? This is harassment! I'll sue you back!"
Vanessa's perfect composure cracked; her words tumbled out in panicked fragments.
"We have extensive evidence. Security footage from the 10th shows you entering the building at 8:10 PM and accessing Ms. Sullivan's computer without authorization."
"You then altered critical files."
"These actions directly caused the accounting discrepancies in question."
"The following morning, you posted an anonymous tip on the company intranet alleging embezzlement."
"While you didn't name Ms. Sullivan directly, the circumstantial details you provided could only point to her."
"We have sufficient evidence to prove you orchestrated this defamation campaign."
"Feel free to consult your own legal counsel if you wish to contest these charges."
"My card, should you need it."
I stood there, jaw practically on the floor, unable to form coherent thoughts.
But when James spoke next, it was like a bomb dropping.
"You know, Ms. Prescott, you were actually right about some things."
"Sophie's bracelet is, in fact, authentic."
"Worth well into six figures."
"And that perfume you found is indeed this season's limited edition."
"But they weren't bought with stolen money."
"I bought them."
"Because I'm someone your CEO wouldn't dream of crossing."
"In fact, this very building you're standing in? It's mine."
"Are we clear now?"
Vanessa's eyes bulged like she was being strangled.
Actually, everyone in the office looked equally shocked.
Including me.
Before I could process what was happening, James had whisked me into the elevator.
I watched the floor numbers tick down.
Until we hit the lobby.
Until James walked me straight to a gleaming vintage Rolls-Royce.
The key fob dangling from his fingers said it all.
"I thought you said this was just a novelty keychain someone gave you?"
"Honey, I really need to explain everything properly now."
Once inside the car, he turned to me, clearly uncomfortable.
"The truth is... I'm rich."
"This car is mine. Your company is one of my subsidiaries."
"I'm not just some office drone."
"My income is measured in annual reports, not paychecks."
James fell silent, watching my reaction carefully.
My brain short-circuited trying to process this bombshell.
