Chapter 8 - The Enemy Inside Reed Industries
The arrest of Victor Langford detonated across the business world.
But Jackson refused interviews.
His attention turned inward.
Somebody inside Reed Industries had helped Victor.
Marcus audited access records.
Emily studied names.
Then she saw one.
Natalie Crane.
Jackson's executive vice president.
His closest professional adviser.
The woman who had repeatedly encouraged him to stop searching for Emily.
Jackson remembered every conversation differently now.
“Let the past go.”
“You survived.”
“Whoever she was, she clearly doesn't want to be found.”
Natalie had been guiding him away from Emily.
Jackson invited her to his penthouse under the pretense of discussing the scandal.
Emily listened from another room.
Natalie arrived smiling.
Then Jackson placed his father's ledger on the table.
Her smile vanished.
“You recognize it.”
“No.”
“You answered too quickly.”
Natalie stood.
“This is ridiculous.”
Jackson showed her transaction records.
Money had moved through companies she controlled.
Natalie stopped pretending.
“You have no idea what you're destroying.”
“Tell me.”
“Victor was replaceable.”
Jackson felt a chill.
“By whom?”
Natalie looked toward the window.
“You really think powerful people let one man control billions?”
She suddenly reached for her purse.
Emily entered.
“Don't.”
Natalie stared at her.
“You should have stayed gone.”
Jackson stepped between them.
Police arrived moments later.
Natalie was arrested.
But before leaving, she looked at Emily.
“They know who you are now.”
Emily's face paled.
Jackson said, “She isn't alone.”
Natalie smiled.
“That won't matter.”
The elevator closed.
Emily stood silently.
Jackson approached.
“I won't let anything happen to you.”
She looked at him sadly.
“You said that before.”
He had.
And three years had been stolen from them.
Jackson couldn't promise safety.
So he promised something else.
“No more lies.”
Emily nodded.
“No more running.”
May you like
Their hands touched.
Neither pulled away.
