And sometimes we make choices that seem right at the time but turn out to be wrong. The important thing is being brave enough to admit when something isn’t working and change course. Is that what you’re doing? Sophie asked with that unnerving perceptiveness of hers. Changing course? I think so, Rachel admitted.

I built this whole life that looked perfect from the outside. Big job, lots of money, people thinking I was successful. But somewhere along the way, I forgot to ask myself if I was happy. And when I finally did ask, the answer was, “No.” Sophie nodded as if this made perfect sense. “Daddy says happiness is more important than fancy things.

He says we don’t have a lot of money, but we have each other, and that’s worth more than anything.” She paused, then added, “But I still really want a puppy.” Rachel laughed, surprised by the sudden shift from philosophy to practicality. “Have you told your dad that a million times?” Sophie said. He says, “Maybe when I’m older and can help take care of it, but I think he’s worried about having enough money for dog food and vet bills and stuff.

” He doesn’t say that, but I heard him talking to Aunt Marie once about budgets and making ends meet. Rachel looked over at Jack, who was examining something on a nearby tree trunk, giving them privacy for their conversation. She thought about his modest apartment, his old car, the secondhand furniture, and handme-down clothes Sophie had mentioned wearing from her cousins.

And yet there was more warmth and genuine contentment in that small space than in all of Rachel’s expensive possessions combined. Your dad is doing an amazing job, Rachel said. I hope you know that. I do, Sophie said simply. He’s the best daddy in the world. Then with a child’s innocent directness, she added, “Do you have kids, Miss Morgan?” “No,” Rachel said, feeling the familiar ache of that admission.

I always thought I would someday, but I kept putting it off. First it was finishing school, then building my company. Then there was always one more deal to close, one more goal to reach. And then I woke up one day and realized I was 32 and still waiting for the right time. Except maybe there is no right time. Maybe you just have to decide what matters most and make time for it.

You could still have kids, Sophie pointed out. You’re not that old. Mrs. Chen’s daughter just had a baby and she’s like 40. Sophie,” Jack called from where he’d been pretending not to listen. “Let’s not interrogate Ms. Morgan about her reproductive choices.” “I’m not interrogating,” Sophie protested, though her grin suggested she knew exactly what she was doing.

“I’m just making conversation like you taught me.” They spent another hour on the trail with Sophie pointing out different plants and insects with the enthusiasm of a budding naturalist. Jack had clearly spent time teaching her about the local ecosystem, and Sophie proudly identified bird calls and explained the life cycle of butterflies with impressive accuracy.

Rachel found herself genuinely engaged, asking questions and learning things she’d never considered important enough to know before. By the time they returned to the apartment, Rachel’s phone, which she’d borrowed back from Jack, was buzzing with a series of increasingly urgent texts from Laura.

She excused herself to the guest room to read them. Her brief respit from reality coming to an abrupt end. The first message was straightforward. Found something? Call me when you can. The subsequent messages were more alarming. Rachel, this is bigger than we thought. Andrew’s been moving money. A lot of money.

And finally, Richard is involved. So are three board members. I have proof, but we need to talk about what to do with it. Rachel’s hands trembled slightly as she dialed Laura’s number. Her assistant answered immediately, speaking in a low, urgent voice. Rachel, where are you? Are you somewhere safe? I’m fine. I’m staying with Rachel paused, realizing she’d never actually explained her situation to Laura. I’m with friends.

What did you find? Laura took a deep breath. Okay, so I started digging into Andrew’s financial transactions like you asked. At first, everything looked legitimate. Expensive dinners with clients, consulting fees, travel expenses. But then I noticed a pattern. Every month for the last 18 months, Andrew has been processing payments to a consulting firm called Kayfax Strategic Advisors.

The amounts vary, but they total almost $8 million. 8 million? Rachel felt her stomach drop. For what services? That’s the thing. The invoices are vague. strategic consulting, market analysis, business development services. But when I dug deeper, I found that Kayfax Strategic Advisors is a shell company. It was registered 18 months ago in Delaware, and the sole owner is Laura paused for dramatic effect.

Andrew’s brother, Marcus Kfax. Rachel closed her eyes, seeing the scope of the deception clearly now. He’s been embezzling, funneling company money to himself through a fake consulting firm. It gets worse, Laura continued. I cross- referenced the timing of those payments with board meetings and major decisions. Every time there was a vote that went Andrew’s way, approving his expanded authority, agreeing to the merger with Kayfax Tech, overriding your objections about shelving the cancer detection software. There were payments made to

accounts linked to the board members who voted in his favor. They’re not direct payments, which would be obvious. They’re structured as speaking fees, advisory payments, stock options, and KFax tech. But the pattern is clear. He’s been bribing board members, Rachel said flatly. Using company money to buy votes and consolidate power.

And there’s more, Laura said grimly. The merger agreement between Morgan Technologies and Kayfax Tech. I finally got someone in legal to show me the full terms. If the merger goes through and you’re married to Andrew, he gains control of your voting shares in the combined company. But here’s the kicker. If you die or are declared mentally incompetent within 5 years of the merger, all your shares transferred to him outright, no questions asked.

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