Daphne Vs. Daddy

My head is spinning.

I think I've been set up.

"I'm going to take your silence as a sign of guilt, Ms. Sullivan," the lawyer says as he sits down next to me. "But you should know that the Firm will try to recover the damages from you on his behalf. We believe that you've stolen about $30 million dollars from Mr. Lowell so far."

Tears are streaming down my face as I look to Derek.

I can't tell what he's thinking.

$30 million dollars?

This global bank is about to go to war with me.

How am I going to even be able to pay that back? The number is absolutely ridiculous.

Especially because after my Starbucks today I only have $347.14 in my checking account.

I wonder if Carter Jeffries does a 7,000-year payment plan.

147

Derek

$30 million dollars.

That’s how much was stolen from me, and at this point in time, I honestly could care less.

After months of searching and gathering evidence, I’ve finally found the thief. But again, I couldn’t care less.

I stand up and look at her—this woman who has literally stolen a fortune from me.

“Before you say another word,” I say looking at her. “Let me just go ahead and tell you that I’ve called over NYPD and Preston Cabot. I suggest the next words out of your mouth be the truth, Nadia.”

Nadia looks at me with alarm and I hear a sharp intake of breath.

That must be Alicia. She must be going out of her mind. I figure once we’re done here, she will probably be pretty mad at me, you know?

And you know what? I’m not happy about it. I love her. I meant what I said when I told her that I needed her in my life. I can’t live without her.

But the only way we were going to get out of this entire situation was for her to play the part that she fell into. I never wanted her to have to go through this. But she dove in, and I had to let her see it through.

You have no idea actually what I’m talking about, do you?

Fine, let me make it a bit clearer.

Just then, the door opens and an uniformed police officer walks in along with the Chairman and CEO of Carter Jeffries.

Nadia’s eyes grow wide and she gets up from her chair.

But before she can do or say anything, Preston Cabot – the lion of Wall Street – speaks up.

“Just stay right where you are, Ms. Moore,” he says sharply. “We’ll do this quietly to avoid as much embarrassment as possible as long as you cooperate. But make things difficult and I have no problem marching you out the floor in handcuffs.”

Nadia seems to think better of her situation. She’s still flustered and looks at me.

But I’m looking at Alicia. Poor girl looks like she’s about to faint, but she’ll be okay.

Satisfied at how strong Alicia is to cope with all this, I turn my attention back to Nadia.