Chapter 5: The Woman Who Was Never Supposed to Find Out
Vanessa felt the room tilt.
She gripped the edge of Malcolm's desk.
"What did you just say?""
Malcolm removed his jacket and placed it over the back of a chair.
"I said you're misunderstanding the document.""
"No. You said I was supposed to take the blame.""
He looked toward the laptop.
"Show me what you saw.""
She stepped away from it.
"Don't come near me.""
Malcolm stopped.
For the first time since she had known him, she saw something unfamiliar in his eyes.
Not irritation.
Not arrogance.
Fear.
"Vanessa, sit down.""
"I'm not sitting down.""
"You're making this bigger than it is.""
"Someone forged my signature.""
Malcolm sighed.
"That document was part of an old acquisition process.""
"I never authorized fourteen million dollars.""
"That wasn't your money.""
"Then why is my name on it?""
"Because you were listed as a temporary financial representative.""
Vanessa stared at him.
"I was never a financial representative.""
"You were connected to Andre's company.""
"I was his wife!""
"Exactly.""
The word hung between them.
Malcolm walked toward the desk.
"Listen to me. Six years ago, Andre was in trouble. His company had debts, the partnership was collapsing, and Daniel wanted out. There were investors willing to help, but the paperwork had to be reorganized.""
"And you used my name?""
"It was a technicality.""
"A technicality?""
He raised his voice.
"Do you think businesses become successful by following every little rule? There are arrangements, negotiations, compromises.""
Vanessa shook her head.
"Did Andre know?""
Malcolm looked away.
"Not at the time.""
"Did he sign it?""
"Yes.""
She stared at him.
"Then why would he accuse you?""
"Because he thinks the authorization was fraudulent.""
"Was it?""
Malcolm said nothing.
Vanessa stepped closer.
"Was it?""
He finally looked at her.
May you like
"The transfer was approved.""
"That's not what I asked
