Chapter 5 - The Unraveling
The police officers looked very confused.
Vanessa’s face turned the color of ash.
“I... I don’t know what you mean,” she stammered.
Marcus stepped closer to her.
“You paid a maid to plant it, didn't you? Sarah, probably. She’s the only one who cleans this wing besides Maya.”
Vanessa stood up.
“This is ridiculous! I am the victim here!”
“The officers can review the security footage of Sarah sneaking into Maya’s room last night,” Marcus said.
The officers turned to Vanessa.
“Ma'am, making a false police report is a felony.”
Vanessa panicked.
“It was a joke! A misunderstanding!”
She grabbed her expensive purse and tried to run.
The officers blocked her way.
Marcus didn't even watch them take her outside.
He turned to me.
I was shaking so hard my teeth rattled.
“Maya,” he said softly. “Are you okay?”
I couldn't speak.
I just nodded.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
The billionaire. Apologizing to me.
“She did this because of the phone. Because of what was on the audio recording.”
“What was on it?” I whispered.
“She’s been selling Cole Meridian’s trade secrets to my biggest competitor. Her father’s company.”
I gasped.
Corporate espionage.
“She thought your phone captured her making a deal,” Marcus explained.
He ran a hand through his dark hair.
He looked exhausted.
“She didn't want to marry me, Maya. She wanted to ruin me.”
I didn't know what to say.
So I said the only thing that made sense.
“I can make you some tea.”
Marcus looked at me, genuinely surprised.
May you like
Then he let out a short, genuine laugh.
“Tea sounds wonderful, Maya.”
