Chapter 3 - The Confrontation in the Driveway
"Get out of the car, Maya," Liam demanded, his voice dropping to a dangerous, low register as he blocked her exit.
Maya gripped the steering wheel, her eyes flashing with defensive resolve. "Liam, leave me alone. You don't know what you're walking into."
"I know enough," Liam snapped, leaning into the car space and trapping her. "Dad is inside having chest pains because of what you did. Mom is crying. How could you steal from us? After everything the family sacrificed to put you through business school?"
"I didn't steal a dime," Maya said, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to keep her composure. "Look at the routing numbers on those documents, Liam. Look past the names you think you recognize. Someone else has been using my digital signature."
Liam hesitated for a fraction of a second, his angry expression wavering before hardening right back into skepticism. "Digital signatures can be forged, sure. But the bank accounts are tied to your social security number, Maya. Unless you're telling me someone stole your identity, you're the only one who fits the profile."
"Someone did steal my identity," Maya whispered, deciding to risk revealing a piece of her hand. "Months ago. Remember when my laptop was stolen from the office? I filed a police report."
Liam let out a harsh, disbelieving laugh. "A police report? Convenient, Maya. Very convenient. Show me the case number right now."
Maya reached down to open her glove compartment, searching for the folder containing her official police documentation. Her fingers brushed against the cardboard edges, but as she pulled the papers out, she realized with a sickening lurch in her stomach that the file was completely gone.
May you like
Somebody had broken into her car while she was inside the house and stolen the only proof she had left to clear her name.
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