The financial statement attached to the application listed assets that included—

my design studio.

I stared.

He had represented part of my business value as supporting capital for a company I did not own.

Then I saw something worse.

A letter.

Supposedly from me.

To whom it may concern,

I confirm that Adrian Cole has full discretion to utilize proceeds from our jointly held property and investment accounts for the Evermere Horizon acquisition.

Signed:

Claire Bennett.

Not my signature.

Close.

But not mine.

I called Monica.

“Fraud.”

“Yes.”

“I want him arrested.”

“Maybe eventually.”

“Eventually?”

“Right now we stop the transaction.”

“How?”

“I’ve notified the lender that ownership and authorization are disputed.”

“Will that work?”

“It should delay closing.”

“Delay?”

“Claire, courts and banks don’t operate on emotional timing.”

I hated that answer.

But she was right.

Then Monica asked:

“Do you still want to confront him?”

I looked at the fake letter.

“Yes.”

“Then I suggest doing it where there are witnesses.”

---

THE PROPERTY APPOINTMENT WAS AT TEN

I arrived at Evermere Coastal Residences at 9:45.

Large glass building.

Ocean behind it.

Everything smelled like expensive flowers.

I told reception:

“I’m here regarding Evermere Horizon.”

The woman checked her screen.

“I have Mr. Cole and Ms. Hale scheduled.”

“I know.”

“Your name?”

“Claire Bennett.”

She looked at me.

Recognition.

Maybe from the paperwork.

Her smile became uncertain.

“May I ask—”