Chapter 6 - The People Who Were Watching
Lena advised us to supply the message to investigators instead of responding. Thomas arranged an independent security review at his company; I arranged my own measures through people I trusted.
I refused to move into Thomas's penthouse. I refused a driver I didn't know. I also refused to let a threat push me out of my job before I had another plan.
The store manager quietly changed my schedule to make my trips home less predictable. Marta checked in with me after shifts. I felt cared for rather than controlled.
The accountant's review uncovered payments to a private information firm. The invoices described “risk monitoring” connected to my settlement, including reports about my workplace and medical appointments.
Vincent had authorized the payments. Sarah had forwarded several of the reports.
When Lena showed me the findings, I felt sick.
“They were watching me while I counted my grocery money?”
“Yes,” she said. “And those records should now be preserved.”
Thomas's attorney sought restrictions on Vincent's access to company systems. The board committee suspended certain authorities while the investigation continued. Vincent retained counsel and denied wrongdoing.
Sarah admitted she had gone along with the monitoring because she believed it would keep Vincent quiet about her role in hiding the pregnancy.
“Why tell the truth now?” I asked.
“Because I finally understand how far he was willing to go.”
I didn't offer forgiveness.
That afternoon, I felt a tightening across my abdomen during my shift. Marta helped me sit, and we called my medical team for guidance.
At the hospital, the doctors evaluated me and the baby. The immediate concern eased, but they advised rest and careful follow-up.
As I waited for discharge instructions, my phone vibrated.
May you like
A new message appeared from an unknown number.
You should have taken the settlement, Amelia.
