47

For a moment, she considered not answering, but then, she was done hiding from reality. She’d face this head-on.

“I hope you liked those flowers I sent,” the caller said. “See how easy it is for me to get you there? It doesn't matter if you have that boy toy following you around. Now, I want my money.”

“I want my proof,” Vanessa replied, hoping that she sounded brave enough. “It seems like you might be having trouble coming up with that.”

“Ask Christopher's assistant for the ledger. The other ledger, the one he keeps locked in the safe behind his desk. That’s where you’ll find your proof.”

She took a deep breath. “Was Chloe in on this with him?”

“She knew. Whether or not she received a cut, I have no idea. But it’s probably likely she did, as money to keep her mouth shut. If she knows where the three million is, I would be surprised if she doesn’t take it and try to run.”

Wincing, Vanessa shook her head. It was bad enough to learn that the man she’d thought was an upstanding— if remot