“She knew who I was,” Marcus said, resting his hands flat on Victoria’s conference table, “what I had, and what Hannah left behind, before she ever spoke to me.”

Victoria maintained her professional composure.

“The evidence strongly suggests premeditated financial fraud and child endangerment,” she said.

“The police financial crimes unit is taking over the investigation.”

Chapter 18 — The Fatal Misstep

Over the next forty-eight hours, Sarah sent message after message.

Marcus watched their tone evolve in real time as she began losing control of the situation.

At first, the messages were affectionate.

Then demanding.

Finally, frantic.

Marcus, we need to talk, one of the last ones read. You’re letting your grief ruin our marriage.

Julian was only trying to help us secure Lily’s future.

That message became a critical mistake.

Marcus had never mentioned Julian’s name to Sarah.

Not once after returning from his supposed business trip.