Chapter 4 - Affairs Embarrass, Fraud Destroys
Ryan’s jaw flexed.
“You’re acting insane.”
Jade opened her clutch and pulled out a thin folder.
Ryan’s eyes dropped to it.
Vanessa looked confused.
Jade handed the first page to him.
Purchase agreement.
His signature.
Her funds.
Her guarantee.
Vanessa’s name as authorized driver.
Ryan read just enough for the blood to leave his face.
Jade handed him another page.
Vendor reimbursements.
Hotel invoices.
Jewelry purchases.
Apartment payments.
All routed through company accounts where Jade had been listed as guarantor.
“You forged my approval on seven transfers,” Jade said quietly. “Maybe eight. My accountant is still checking.”
Vanessa looked at Ryan.
“Forged?”
Ryan snapped, “Stay out of this.”
Jade smiled at that.
“Now you want her out of it?”
Vanessa took another step back.
The lobby guests had started pretending not to listen, which meant every person was listening.
Ryan lowered his voice.
“You don’t know what you’re doing.”
Jade looked at him.
“I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“No, you don’t. This affects the company.”
“Yes.”
“Investors are upstairs.”
“I know.”
His eyes narrowed.
That was when he understood she had not arrived because of the affair.
She had arrived because of the money.
Affairs embarrass.
Fraud destroys.
Jade walked past him toward the private elevators.
Ryan followed, furious now.
“Do not go upstairs.”
She pressed the elevator button.
Vanessa whispered, “Ryan, what is going on?”
Jade answered without looking at her.
“He told you I was some bitter wife sitting at home spending his money, didn’t he?”
Vanessa said nothing.
Jade turned to her.
“Did he mention I personally guaranteed his last funding round?”
Vanessa’s face changed.
No.
Of course he had not.
Ryan grabbed Vanessa’s wrist.
“We’re leaving.”
Jade looked at his hand.
“Careful. You’re on camera.”
He released Vanessa immediately.
The elevator doors opened.
Three men in suits stepped out.
Ryan’s investors.
Jade recognized them from the cap table.
Miles Grant.
Henry Vale.
Samuel Reed.
They recognized Jade too.
Not as Ryan’s wife.
As the woman whose signature sat behind the bridge financing that kept Ryan’s company from collapsing six months earlier.
Miles looked from Jade’s wet hair to Ryan’s pale face to Vanessa’s shaking hands.
Then toward the hotel windows where the shattered red car was visible under the lights.
“Is there a problem?” he asked.
Jade lifted the folder.
“Yes.”
Ryan said quickly, “No. Private matter.”
Jade did not look at him.
“Company funds were used to purchase personal gifts for Mr. Hale’s mistress, including the vehicle outside. My signature may have been forged on related approvals. I am requesting an immediate investor review.”
The lobby went silent all over again.
Ryan’s face hardened.
“You vindictive—”
May you like
Samuel Reed interrupted.
“Stop talking, Ryan.”
