CHAPTER 7 — The Mother Who Controlled Everything
The lobby fell silent after Evelyn Carter spoke.
Even Richard Vale lowered his eyes.
That told Olivia everything she needed to know.
Richard wasn't the mastermind.
He was merely the man who carried out someone else's orders.
Evelyn adjusted her pearl necklace as though she had just commented on the weather.
"I built this family long before Ethan learned how to sign his name."
"I protected this company."
"I protected our reputation."
Olivia stared at her.
"You destroyed a young mother's life."
Evelyn's expression never changed.
"I removed a threat."
Those four words echoed through the marble lobby.
Ethan looked as if he had been struck across the face.
"You... told Emily I abandoned her?"
Evelyn finally looked at her son.
"You were preparing for investors."
"A pregnant girlfriend living in a rented apartment would have ruined everything."
"I did what any mother would do."
"No," Ethan whispered.
"No... you didn't."
Richard suddenly interrupted.
"Mrs. Carter..."
"I think it's best we stop discussing this here."
Olivia smiled.
"You sound nervous."
Richard reached into his briefcase.
"I simply don't want confidential company matters becoming public."
Olivia pulled out her phone.
"I've been recording this conversation since I walked into the building."
Richard's face lost all color.
Employees nearby quietly stepped backward.
Nobody wanted to be standing next to the people whose lies were collapsing.
Then security rushed into the lobby.
Not to arrest Olivia.
To escort federal investigators upstairs.
Someone had reported financial fraud.
The lead investigator held up a warrant.
"Carter Technologies."
"We're here to seize accounting records dating back twelve years."
Evelyn's confident smile disappeared for the first time.
She whispered only one sentence.
"Who talked?"
Nobody answered.
May you like
But Olivia noticed Richard slowly wiping sweat from his forehead.
Someone inside the company had betrayed them.
