Chapter 2: What Was Underneath the Folder
Preston picked up his keys and turned toward the bedroom.
"I'll have the money back in 30 days.
This conversation is over."
"Sit down, Preston."
Something in her voice stopped him.
He turned slowly.
Natalie opened the folder beside her and slid a single page across the table.
"That's a wire confirmation.
$154,000.
Sent in four transfers over six months.
All to SMR Advisory Group."
Preston looked at the page but didn't touch it.
"I already told you—"
"The last transfer was made the same morning I was in the hospital after my fall."
The room went very quiet.
Preston had driven her to the emergency room that day.
He had held her hand while the doctor checked the baby's heartbeat.
He had told her everything was going to be fine.
Then he had stepped into the hallway to take a call.
Natalie had assumed it was work.
"You wired $38,000 to her account while I was lying in that hospital bed."
Preston's jaw moved but nothing came out.
"I was scared we were going to lose her," Natalie said.
"And you were in that hallway sending Sloan Mercer $38,000."
He set his keys back down.
"Natalie—"
"There's one more thing."
She turned the folder over.
Underneath was a photograph.
Preston went completely still.
---
What's in that photograph — and why did Preston's face drain of color the moment he saw it?
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The full truth is darker than anything Natalie expected.
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