Chapter 10 - THE MONEY BEHIND THE FLOWERS
The money had not bought me a better life.
It had covered holes in theirs.
That was what emerged over the next several weeks as records arrived through the investigation and the civil case.
A company using my name had been created without my knowledge.
The account paperwork contained a copy of my old driver's license, a pasted signature, and a phone number I had never used.
The business address led back to Julian and Graham.
So did the payments moving out.
Some covered losses from a property deal.
Some paid expenses Julian had kept off the books he disclosed during our divorce.
One went to the venue that hosted his wedding.
Ruth read that line three times.
“My husband fixed our porch steps the week before he died,” she said.
“He kept saying we'd finally take a trip when this job was over.”
Her finger rested on the payment.
“They bought flowers with his money.”
So I sat beside her while she cried.
Teresa helped investigators identify how the files had been handled.
Victoria corrected her false account through her attorney and provided messages she had received directly.
Elena kept reminding me that cooperation did not erase anyone's responsibility.
I was grateful for that.
I didn't want a story where the woman who helped hurt us became a hero simply because her husband eventually lied to her too.
Then the firm made an announcement.
Julian had been placed on leave.
An outside review was underway.
Graham signed the notice.
That afternoon, Julian called through the approved parenting app.
“I want to speak to Noah.”
“It isn't your scheduled time.”
“Claire. Please.”
The please unsettled me more than the threats.
I asked Noah if he wanted to talk.
He shook his head.
I relayed his answer.
Julian was quiet.
Then he said, “Mercer is going to let me take all of it.”
I stepped into the kitchen.
“That's a conversation for your attorney.”
“You don't understand. He taught me how to move the money.”
“And who taught you to put my name on it?”
He didn't answer.
For a moment, all I could hear was his breathing.
Then a new message arrived from an unfamiliar number.
A photograph of an older loan document.
May you like
My name was on that one too.
The date was three years before our divorce.
