Chapter 4 - The First Crack
By sunset, SwiftFreight’s celebration dinner had been canceled.
The champagne remained unopened.
The conference room prepared for Crestview’s signing ceremony was empty.
Gavin stood before the windows of his executive office, staring at the city.
“This was supposed to close today.”
Mason rubbed his forehead.
“It’s a delay.”
“Then why are their forensic accountants asking for transaction-level records?”
Charlotte answered before Mason could.
“Because investors get nervous.”
Gavin turned.
“You told me this deal was solid.”
“It is.”
“You handle investor communications.”
“And Mason handles the numbers.”
Silence.
Mason looked at her.
“Careful.”
Charlotte shrugged.
“I’m stating facts.”
Gavin watched them.
Twenty-four hours earlier, the three had been united against Sabrina.
Now the first cracks were appearing.
Meanwhile, Sabrina sat across from attorney Claire Donovan.
Claire pushed the divorce agreement across the table.
“This was signed under circumstances we need to document carefully.”
Sabrina nodded.
“Can Gavin enforce it?”
“He can try.”
“What about the assets?”
“If Mason’s statements are accurate, there may be significant disclosure issues.”
Sabrina stared at the signature she had written less than a day earlier.
“I don't want his company.”
Claire looked surprised.
“I want what is legally fair. Nothing more.”
“And the assault?”
Sabrina was silent.
“That is your decision,” Claire said. “But preserve the evidence.”
“I will.”
Her phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
We need to talk. You don't know the whole story. —Charlotte
Sabrina stared at it.
Claire noticed.
“Who?”
“Charlotte.”
“The mistress?”
“Yes.”
“What does she want?”
Sabrina typed one sentence.
Then tell Gavin.
Charlotte responded immediately.
I can't. Mason will destroy me.
Sabrina’s eyes narrowed.
Mason.
That was unexpected.
Another message appeared.
The car story wasn't my idea.
Sabrina sat straighter.
Then:
Neither was the divorce.
Claire read Sabrina’s expression.
“What happened?”
Sabrina turned the phone toward her.
Claire read the messages.
“Don't meet her alone.”
“I wasn't planning to.”
Sabrina typed:
Tomorrow. Public place. My attorney attends.
Charlotte replied:
No attorneys.
Sabrina almost laughed.
Then no meeting.
Three dots appeared.
Disappeared.
Returned.
Finally:
Fine.
Sabrina set down the phone.
“What do you think she has?” Claire asked.
“I don't know.”
But that night Charlotte sat alone in her apartment holding a flash drive.
On it were internal SwiftFreight emails.
Some involved Mason.
Some involved Gavin.
And one contained a plan that had begun months before Charlotte ever claimed Sabrina scratched her car.
The divorce had not started because of jealousy.
It had started because somebody needed Sabrina removed before Crestview completed its investment.
And Charlotte finally understood something terrifying.
May you like
She had never been Gavin's partner.
She had been bait.
