Mirabelle’s POV:
I stared at the documents, letters and photographs sprawled out on the table before me, my fingers trembling as I flipped through each page again. The weight of betrayal sat heavily on my chest. Noah had done this-plotted, schemed, and orchestrated my downfall. But why? To what end? My head throbbed with a mixture of anger and despair.
Confronting him now would only tip him off, and I couldn’t risk that. If I am going to win this fight, I need to be smarter. I can’t just react emotionally. No, this is my chance to play by his rules and beat him at his own game.
This is my fight!
I glanced down at the papers again. Samuel’s involvement in Noah’s schemes was undeniable, but was he truly repentant? Or was this just another tactic in their game?
I picked up my phone and dialed Officer Carter’s number. He answered on the second ring.
“Mrs. Sylvester.” His voice was clipped. “What can I do for you?”
“I need to meet with you.” I said, keeping my tone calm despite the pain in my chest. “There’s something important I need to discuss regarding the fire at my company.”
There was a brief pause before he responded, “I assume you have a new lead?”
“Yes.” I said, glancing again at the damning documents. “But I’d rather explain in person. Can we meet up later tonight?”
“Of course. But I am not sure where we can meet up just yet, as I’m still quite busy at the station. I’ll let you know as soon as I have everything sorted out.”
“Thank you.” I replied, ending the call.
Later in the evening, after confirming that the kids were asleep I rushed out of the house. Officer Carter sent a text message to me earlier that he was working late at the station, so we didn’t have to meet in a restaurant.
When I arrived at the station, I sat across from Officer Carter in his small, cluttered office. The faint smell of coffee lingered in the air as he leaned forward, his eyes fixed on me.
“So…” He began, tapping a pen against his notepad. “What exactly do you have for me?” He asked.
I handed him a folder containing copies of Samuel’s written confession and excluding the photographs. “This.” I said. “Proves that Samuel, the manager of my husband’s company, was involved in the fire. He admitted to hiring people to carry out the attack.”
Carter’s brows furrowed as he skimmed through the papers. “And why would Samuel do this?”
“He was following orders.” I replied carefully, omitting Noah’s name. “I believe he was coerced into doing it. But I need more evidence to prove who’s behind it all.”
Carter set the papers down and fixed me with a sharp look. “Do you suspect anyone else working with Samuel?”
I hesitated, keeping my expression calm. “Not yet. That’s what I need you to help me uncover.”
He nodded slowly, but his eyes lingered on me. “Mrs. Sylvester, if there’s anyone else you think might be involved, it’s best to come forward now. Holding back information could compromise the investigation.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I said, maintaining my composure.
Our conversation continued for a while, with Carter asking more questions about the fire and Samuel’s role. I answered cautiously, ensuring I didn’t reveal too much. This fight was personal, and I couldn’t trust anyone fully-not yet.
——
The next morning, I was jolted awake by the loud ringing of my phone. I grabbed it from the bedside table, squinting at the screen.
The number was unfamiliar.
“Hello?” I answered groggily.
“Mrs. Sylvester.” A stern, male voice replied. “This is Mr. Greene from the City Infrastructure Department.”
I sat up, my heart sinking. “Yes, what can I do for you?”
“I’m calling to inform you that two of your properties have been shut down by the government. They’re located in areas designated for demolition as part of a project.”
“What?” I exclaimed, the sleep instantly leaving my body. “Why wasn’t I informed about this earlier?”
“This is your official notice, ma’am.” He replied curtly. “The demolition hasn’t occurred yet, but all operations in those buildings must cease immediately.”
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to scream. “You can’t just shut down my companies without warning! Those properties were under renovation-there were plans, employees, investments-”
“Ma’am.” Greene interrupted, his tone cold. “This decision is final. You’ll need to contact our legal department if you have further concerns.” The call ended abruptly, leaving me shocked.
I barely had time to process the news when another call came in. It was Syria, one of my trusted employees.
“Mrs. Sylvester.” She said urgently. “There’s a situation at the main office. The board members are demanding your presence and it seems urgent.”
“What’s going on?” I asked, fear creeping into my voice.
“I don’t know all the details.” She admitted. “But they’re really upset. You need to get here as soon as possible.” I quickly showered, dressed, and drove to the office, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
When I arrived, Syria was pacing outside the parking lot, her face pale with worry. “Mrs. Sylvester!” She called out, rushing toward me. “I-”
I held up a hand. “Later. I need to see what’s going on inside.”
As I approached the conference room, I took a deep breath, straightened my blouse, and pushed open the door.
The room was filled with the loud sounds of raised voices and heated arguments. The moment I stepped inside, everything went silent.
And all eyes turned to me.
I walked to the head of the table and sat down, folding my hands calmly. “What’s going on?” I asked, though my voice carried a hint of irritation.
The questions came all at once.
“Why didn’t you tell us about the illegal activities?”
“Did you think we wouldn’t find out?”
“What are you planning to do about this?”
‘What the hell is going on?’ I asked myself as I forced out a smile. Then I raised a hand, silencing them. “One at a time.” I said firmly.