Chapter 8
Brooke’s expression collapsed completely.
Nathan ran both hands through his hair.
“You’re going to ruin me.”
Emily looked at him.
For the first time, she felt something close to sadness.
Not for Nathan.
For the woman she had once been.
The woman who waited for apologies.
The woman who excused every silence.
The woman who endured endless dinners while pretending the insults did not hurt.
“I didn’t come here to ruin you,” she said.
“I came here to stop rescuing you.”
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
Everyone became still.
Emily crossed the room and opened the front door.
Rebecca stood outside with two investigators from the Financial Crimes Division. Each carried a thick file beneath one arm.
They did not enter dramatically.
They did not need to.
The presence of law enforcement inside that polished home was more powerful than shouting.
“Good evening,” Rebecca said.
“Mrs. Emily, we are here to formally notify Mrs. Brooke Davenport and Mr. Nathan Davenport regarding the complaint filed for money laundering, fraud, and criminal threats.”
Charles shut his eyes.
Brooke began shaking her head.
“No.”
“No.”
“This cannot be happening.”
Nathan looked at Emily as though he still believed she might save him.
But Emily was no longer his refuge.
She was no longer his excuse.
She was no longer the silent woman everyone could step on before asking her to serve dinner.
The investigators asked Brooke to accompany them for questioning.
She screamed.
She cried.
She cursed.
She grabbed the diamond necklace around her throat as though jewelry could defend her.
May you like
Charles did not move to help her.
Nathan attempted to follow.
