Chapter 5 - THE AFTERMATH OF SHAME
Julian scrambled to his feet, trying to maintain some shred of dignity while holding the damp mat against his waist.
“Harper, please—listen to me—it’s not what it looks like—”
“Save it,” I said. “The police are already on their way.”
Mia let out a high-pitched squeal. “The police? Why?! We didn't do anything illegal!”
“You’re on private property without an employment contract as of four o'clock today,” I replied smoothly. “And my security system caught Julian transferring corporate funds into a personal account three hours ago. That’s grand larceny, Mia. You’re an accessory.”
Julian’s eyes went wide with true, unadulterated terror.
He looked at his mother, begging for help with his eyes.
But Beatrice was staring at the floor, completely shattered.
She knew the game was over.
She knew the money, the house, the prestige, and the security they had planned to steal had evaporated into thin air.
Outside, the faint sound of sirens echoed through the quiet suburban night.
May you like
I turned my back on them and walked out to the front porch, pulling my coat tight around my shoulders.
The cool night air tasted like freedom.
