Chapter 11 - The Man Who Called Me a Girl
Victor requested a private meeting before Elena could contact him.
I agreed.
Elena attended.
Nathan stayed outside with the records.
Victor arrived carrying no briefcase.
He sat as though we had kept him waiting.
“This has become emotional.”
I folded my hands.
“Eighteen million pesos tends to do that.”
He ignored the number.
“Leo made mistakes. Claire made mistakes. We can correct them.”
“And you?”
His expression hardened.
“I helped your mother when nobody knew her name.”
“You also got paid.”
“I took a risk.”
“So did every seamstress who accepted late wages in the first year.”
He glanced at Elena.
“Could we speak alone?”
“No.”
For the first time, his confidence slipped.
I placed the upload record on the table.
He didn’t touch it.
“We know the file came from your assigned computer.”
“Other people have access.”
“Then you’ll want to identify them during the investigation.”
He leaned forward.
“You’re a young woman with a recognizable face and a fashionable brand. Don’t confuse that with understanding how business works.”
There he was.
The man beneath the anniversary speeches.
My mother had warned me about men who called her talented when they wanted her quiet.
I had thought being richer would protect me.
“I understand invoices,” I said.
“Mia.”
“I understand who approved them.”
“You’re going to damage the company.”
“Then help return its money.”
He stood.
“This can disappear.”
Elena’s voice remained calm.
“Are you offering repayment?”
“I’m offering discretion.”
“In exchange for?”
He looked at me.
“Drop the accusations. Allow Leo to resign quietly. Cancel the review.”
“No.”
His jaw moved.
“You don’t want the press digging through your mother’s early years.”
“Send them the full photographs.”
He stared.
“The whole frame,” I said. “Including Ana’s homework.”
Victor picked up his phone.
“You have no idea what you’re inviting.”
I opened the door.
“Nathan will walk you out.”
Ten minutes later, our largest anniversary sponsor withdrew.
Then a second.
Then an entertainment page posted a clipped video of me crying in my office.
The caption asked whether I was fit to lead.
I watched myself on the screen.
My father had died that morning.
Leo had recorded me while I was trying to tell him.
May you like
Under the post, a message appeared from his public account.
Please respect my wife’s privacy during this difficult time.
