Chapter 7 - The Mastermind RevealedThe aftermath of the Gala was a whirlwind of national media headlines.
"TEXAS MOTHER EXPOSES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CORPORATE FRAUD AT 35,000 FEET!" "VANCE LOGISTICS SAVED: THE UNBELIEVABLE STORY OF SEAT 18B!"
Within forty-eight hours, the deepfake allegations against Reid Vance were completely cleared. The board of directors issued a public, humiliating apology, reinstating Reid as CEO with absolute control. Trevor Madsen and Chloe Sterling were held without bail, facing up to thirty years in federal prison. Every cent stolen from Brooke’s joint account was frozen and ordered to be returned with treble damages, making Brooke financially independent for the rest of her life.
Three days later, Reid invited Brooke to the top floor of the Vance Tower.
The sun was setting over the Charlotte skyline, painting the sky in deep shades of gold and purple. Lily was happily playing on a soft sheepskin rug in the corner of the massive office, playing with a plush mechanical toy Reid had bought her.
Brooke stood near the floor-to-ceiling glass, holding a warm cup of tea. She wore a simple white sweater and jeans, but she carried herself with a quiet, undeniable strength now.
Reid walked over, sliding his hands into his pockets. "The courts finalized the asset return this morning, Brooke. The Dallas house is officially put up for sale under your name alone. The proceeds, along with the settlement money, will be transferred to your new private account tonight."
Brooke turned to look at him, her heart filled with overwhelming gratitude. "I don't even know how to thank you, Reid. If I hadn't sat in seat 18B..."
"If you hadn't sat in seat 18B, I would be in a federal holding cell right now," Reid said softly. "You saved my life, Brooke. You were braver than any executive I've ever hired."
Brooke smiled softly, looking down at her hands. "So... what happens now? I have enough money to buy a house anywhere in the country. I can start over."
Reid didn't answer immediately. He walked over to his grand mahogany desk, picked up a thin, leather-bound folder, and handed it to her.
"What's this?" Brooke asked.
"A contract," Reid said. "Vance Logistics is launching a new international foundation aimed at helping victims of financial abuse and domestic fraud rebuild their lives. I need someone to run it. Someone with an accounting background, flawless integrity, and personal experience."
Brooke opened the folder. The salary listed was extraordinary, but more than that, the title at the top read: Executive Director: Brooke Ellery.
"You want me to work for you?" Brooke breathed, tears pricking her eyes.
"Not for me," Reid corrected with a tender smile. "With me."
Brooke looked over at Lily, who was giggling as she pressed a button on her toy. For the first time in five years, the future didn't look terrifying. It looked brilliant.
"I accept," Brooke said softly.
Reid stepped closer, his gaze locked onto hers. "There's just one more thing..."
"What?"
"The story we told the media," Reid said, his voice dropping low, filled with a warm, unspoken emotion that sent a thrill through Brooke’s chest. "About us being together on that plane... they still believe it."
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Brooke’s heart skipped a beat. "And?"
"And..." Reid reached out, his long fingers gently tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear, "I was wondering if we might stop pretending."
