Chapter 3 - The Collapse of Jason's Life
Two days later, the first evidence surfaced.
Jason had diverted client deposits at the real estate firm, forged signatures on 3 contracts, and used some of the money to finance vacations, luxury gifts, and a private apartment where he met Chloe.
Marcus anonymously sent the documentation to the company’s legal department and 2 clients who had been affected.
On Friday, Jason was summoned by his boss.
On Monday, he was fired without severance.
On Tuesday, Chloe blocked his number and every social-media account.
On Wednesday, his bank froze his primary account because of suspicious transactions.
And on Thursday, when Jason stormed back to the apartment demanding explanations from Allison, he found the place completely empty.
The keys sat on the kitchen counter.
Beside them was a sleek business card.
“Margaret Cole, Family and Corporate Attorney.”
Underneath was a handwritten message:
“Tomorrow, you’ll meet the woman you humiliated.”
Jason stared at the note as if the floor had disappeared beneath him.
And he still had no idea what Margaret was carrying inside her briefcase.
Allison arrived at Margaret Cole’s office holding Lily’s hand and carrying her old notebook inside her purse.
The office occupied a high floor in downtown Phoenix.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city.
Polished stone floors reflected the sunlight.
A receptionist stood as Allison approached.
“Ms. Harper, Ms. Cole is expecting you.”
Allison entered without letting go of Lily’s hand.
Margaret was in her early 50s, with a calm voice and sharp eyes.
She had the kind of authority that never required shouting.
“Mr. Sterling covered my initial fees,” Margaret said immediately. “But understand this clearly: you are my client. Not him. Nobody makes decisions for you. Tell me what you want.”
Allison placed the notebook on her desk.
“I want a divorce immediately. And full custody of Lily.”
Margaret opened a file.
“Child support? Compensation? Property? Damages?”
Allison took a slow breath.
“I want Jason to answer for every dollar he forced me to cover during the last 4 years.”
She opened the notebook.
Inside were detailed records.
Rent.
Electricity.
Water.
Preschool tuition.
Medicine.
Lily’s clothes.
Groceries.
Jason’s personal debts.
Payments on the car he drove.
Even money Allison had taken from her tips to pay interest on bills that weren’t hers.
“The total is $86,000,” Allison said. “If he agrees to repay it, he can apply for supervised visits after a psychological evaluation. But if he gives up his parental rights and agrees to no future contact, I’ll withdraw the financial demand.”
Margaret studied her carefully.
“Are you certain you want to give him that option?”
May you like
Allison swallowed.
“I want to know what his daughter is worth to him.”
