Chapter 3: The Red Folder
Gabriel held the authorization toward Marlene.
“You forged my signature?”
“I handled paperwork while you were away,” she said.
“Everything was used for Amelia.”
“Then show me where the money went.”
Marlene reached for the letter, but Gabriel pulled it back.
Everett gripped the doorway.
“Marlene, tell him now.”
“Tell me what?”
His father’s voice shook.
“That wasn’t the first payment.”
Gabriel felt his stomach drop.
“How many were there?”
Marlene glared at Everett.
“Be quiet.”
“How many?” Gabriel demanded.
Everett lowered his eyes.
“Eleven that I know of.”
Eleven payments of $18,450.
More than $200,000 taken in Amelia’s name.
Gabriel pulled out his phone.
“I’m calling Westbridge.”
Marlene blocked him.
“If you do that, you’ll destroy this family.”
“No.
Whoever took my daughter’s money already did that.”
A floorboard creaked behind them.
Amelia stood in the hallway clutching a thin red folder.
“Daddy?” she whispered.
“Is this about the papers Grandma makes me hide when you come home?”
Marlene’s face went white.
Gabriel knelt beside Amelia.
“What papers?”
Before she could answer, Marlene lunged for the folder—and Everett shouted a warning Gabriel never expected to hear.
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What was inside Amelia’s folder, and why was Marlene desperate to take it?
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