Chapter 10 - HAILEY FINALLY TALKSHailey asked to meet.
This time Charlotte agreed.
Hailey looked smaller without her makeup and social-media persona.
"Mom started most of it."
"Brandon knew?"
"Yes."
"How much?"
"All of it."
The plan was simple.
Get the $480,000.
Pay Brandon's debts.
Restore some of Skylar's money.
Fund Hailey's business.
Buy Gertrude a condo.
Then use the trust and fraudulent marital agreement to control the house.
Afterward, Brandon planned to divorce Charlotte.
There was also another woman.
Kelsey.
They planned to move to Arizona.
He expected at least $300,000 from the house scheme.
Charlotte listened without crying.
Hailey showed her messages.
Voice notes.
Plans.
One message from Brandon read:
Once the house paper is fixed, Charlotte can't hold it over me anymore.
Another:
Kelsey found a place outside Scottsdale. We just need the draw to clear.
Then:
If Charlotte finds the education withdrawals before Friday, we're screwed.
Charlotte stared at the screen.
The seafood dinner hadn't caused the scheme.
It had interrupted it.
If Skylar had been served dinner that night, Charlotte might never have seen the receipt.
The closing might have happened.
The fake Charlotte might have appeared.
The financing might have gone through.
Her entire life could have been transformed before she even knew she was under attack.
Hailey began crying.
"I didn't think it would go this far."
Charlotte stood.
"That's the problem."
Hailey looked up.
"You didn't think about how far it would go because you believed I would keep paying before it ever reached you."
At the door, Hailey whispered:
"I'm sorry about Skylar."
Charlotte turned.
"Then tell the truth when it costs you something."
Three days later, Hailey did.
She surrendered her devices.
Her passwords.
Her messages.
May you like
Her evidence.
And she confirmed Brandon's involvement.
Related Stories
