Chapter 3 – The Perfect Family Begins to Crack
Chapter 3 – The Perfect Family Begins to Crack
The next morning, Rebecca called before eight.
"We found something."
"What?"
"Three unauthorized charges totaling nearly forty thousand dollars."
My stomach tightened.
"From my account?"
"Yes."
The purchases had happened over six months.
Luxury vacations.
Designer handbags.
Private club fees.
None of them belonged to me.
The billing address?
Preston's parents' house.
Oak Park.
Rebecca slid copies across the conference table.
"Either he had permission..."
"...or he committed fraud."
She nodded.
"And based on the messages you've shown me, I doubt he has proof of permission."
Meanwhile, Preston was telling a completely different story.
Mutual friends began calling.
Apparently I had "attacked his mother."
Apparently I had "destroyed family heirlooms."
Apparently I was "emotionally unstable."
I didn't respond.
Rebecca warned me not to.
"People who lie usually keep talking."
She was right.
Within forty-eight hours, Preston had contradicted himself so many times that even his own coworkers started asking questions.
One claimed I left because I wanted more money.
Another claimed I had an affair.
Another claimed I suffered a nervous breakdown.
Truth doesn't require revisions.
Lies do.
Then Eleanor made her biggest mistake.
She arrived at my pharmacy.
In uniform.
During business hours.
She stood near the consultation counter and announced loudly,
"My son deserves a wife, not a spoiled princess."
Patients turned.
Technicians froze.
My manager walked over.
"Ma'am, you'll need to leave."
"I'm speaking to my daughter-in-law."
"No," I said calmly.
"You're harassing an employee."
Security escorted her outside.
The entire encounter had been captured by store cameras.
Rebecca nearly laughed when she watched the footage.
"She's building your case for free."
That evening, another envelope arrived.
This one contained something unexpected.
A handwritten letter.
From Richard.
Preston's father.
Inside was one sentence.
I'm sorry I looked at my plate instead of protecting you.
There was also a flash drive.
No explanation.
Just the drive.
Rebecca plugged it into her laptop.
Video files appeared.
Hidden security footage from inside the Oak Park house.
Including breakfast.
Including the slap.
Including Eleanor telling Preston...
"If she won't obey now, she'll never obey."
The room went completely silent.
May you like
Rebecca looked at me.
"They're finished."
