Chapter 16 - My Name on the Wire

"I didn't authorize any transfer," I told Hannah Kim.

"The request came through your executive credentials at 9:14 this morning," she said. "It includes a valid device confirmation. It's for $31 million from the foundation's operating reserve."

The watch. Cole's gift had been listening to me for months, possibly gathering login codes while I worked. Our investigators still needed a technical examination, but someone had clearly accessed my credentials.

"Freeze the account," I said.

"We've applied a temporary fraud hold. I need your written affidavit and a verified call from the foundation's independent trustees."

I sent the affidavit. Evelyn called the remaining trustees one by one. Now I had to ask people I'd ignored to trust me against my closest friend.

At eleven, the bank canceled the wire pending investigation. At eleven-oh-seven, Blake sent me a photograph: Vanessa standing outside the Vale Hotel, smiling at a cluster of cameras.

COME TO THE BOARD MEETING, the message read. OR SHE TELLS THEM WHAT YOU DID TO HER.

"What did you do to her?" Evelyn asked.

"I believed her. Apparently that was enough."

Brooks urged me not to attend alone. So I arrived with two attorneys, a forensic accountant, and the bank's formal preservation notice. The police had not yet arrested Blake; the prosecutors were building a case that could survive the first hearing. I wanted to keep him talking until they had it.

At the entrance, reporters surged forward.

"Mr. Vale, did you fake evidence against your fiancee?"

"Did you threaten a six-year-old girl?"

"Is the baby yours?"

I stopped on the marble steps and looked into the cameras.

"No child was attacked at my engagement party. A little girl told the truth while powerful adults tried to scare her silent. I won't repeat details that put her at risk. But I will answer every legitimate question in the proper place."

Inside, Blake stood beneath my father's portrait, immaculate in a charcoal suit.

"You're late," he said.

"The bank froze your wire."

His smile lasted one second too long.

"You have no idea how badly you've misplayed this, Daniel."

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He opened the boardroom doors.

Vanessa was already seated at the head of the table, wearing the same purple gown she'd worn at the gala - and the same impossible pregnant belly.