Chapter 2 - THE WOMAN IN SEATTLE
Alexander arrived in Seattle just after noon.
He had not slept. He had spent the flight staring at the photograph Daniel had sent him from the security system: me leaving the estate with Lily and Noah.
The image was grainy, but he recognized the blue blanket in Noah's arms.
He recognized Lily's small hand gripping mine.
And he recognized the woman driving the SUV.
Rachel Morgan.
A family attorney who had represented my mother before she died.
Alexander had never liked her.
He had once called her a sentimental lawyer with an appetite for other people's problems.
Now he understood that she had helped me leave.
His driver took him to the waterfront property he shared with Sophia. It was a modern house with tall windows, a private garden, and a view of Elliott Bay.
He had paid for it three years earlier.
He had told me he was investing in a commercial property.
When the front door opened, Sophia stood there wearing a cream sweater and a diamond bracelet he had given her.
Her face was pale.
“Alexander.”
“Where is the package?”
She stepped aside.
A cardboard box sat on the kitchen island. The lid was open. Inside were copies of bank statements, photographs, and a sealed envelope.
Alexander removed the envelope.
His name was written across it in my handwriting.
He opened it.
Alexander,
You told me your trips were business. You told our children you were protecting them. You told me there was no one else.
For three years, you lived in this house with Sophia and your son while I raised Lily and Noah alone.
I don't know which part is more humiliating: that you lied, or that you expected me to keep believing you.
I am not asking you to explain. I am asking you to leave us alone while the legal process begins.
The documents in this package show more than an affair. They show money transferred through companies connected to your organization, properties purchased under false descriptions, and payments made to keep your second household hidden.
You made me part of a lie without my knowledge.
I will not let you make our children part of it.
Do not come looking for us.
Claire
Alexander read it twice.
Then he looked at Sophia.
“What did you tell her?”
“Nothing.”
“Don't lie to me.”
Sophia's eyes filled.
“She found the property records. I don't know how.”
“Did you send them?”
“No.”
“Did you know she had copies?”
Sophia hesitated.
Alexander stepped closer.
“Three years, Sophia. You told me you could keep this separate.”
“I did keep it separate.”
“You let her find out.”
“I didn't know she was investigating.”
He placed the letter on the counter.
“Where is our son?”
“In his room.”
“Bring him.”
Sophia's expression shifted.
“Alexander, before you do anything, you need to know something.”
He looked at her.
“What?”
She glanced toward the stairs.
“Claire sent another message. She said if you came here, I should tell you the truth about the money.”
“What money?”
Sophia pressed her lips together.
“The money you transferred to my account.”
“I know what I transferred.”
“No. You don't know what Adrian did with it.”
Alexander's face hardened.
“Who is Adrian?”
Sophia looked down.
“Adrian Vale. He handled the Seattle properties and the business accounts. He said he could keep everything private.”
Alexander's eyes narrowed.
“I never authorized anyone named Adrian to manage my accounts.”
“He said you did.”
“When?”
“Last year.”
Alexander reached for his phone.
“Daniel, find Adrian Vale. Now.”
Sophia began crying.
“I didn't know he was stealing.”
Alexander stared at her.
“You've been living in a house I paid for. You have a car I paid for. Our son has everything he needs. And you want me to believe you never asked where the money came from?”
“I loved you.”
“That wasn't my question.”
A small voice came from the staircase.
“Daddy?”
Alexander turned.
A little boy stood on the landing in dinosaur pajamas. He had dark hair and gray eyes. Alexander's face softened despite himself.
“Mateo.”
The boy hurried down the stairs.
Alexander lifted him into his arms.
For a moment, he looked like a father.
Then his phone vibrated.
Daniel's message appeared.
Adrian Vale is missing. His office was cleared overnight. He withdrew a large amount of cash yesterday.
Alexander's expression changed.
May you like
The affair had not been the only secret.
And somewhere in Chicago, Claire had evidence he had not yet seen.
