Brooke stayed near the door.
Preston’s face darkened.
“Evelyn, whatever personal problem we have does not belong in this company.”
“I agree completely.”
I placed a printed expense summary on the table.
“That is why I want to know whether you brought our personal problem into the company first.”
His eyes dropped to the figures.
California flights.
Hotel charges.
Car services.
Entertainment expenses.
Administrative reimbursements attached to trips on which Brooke had traveled.
None of those entries alone proved misconduct.
I knew that, and Samuel had warned me not to confuse suspicion with evidence.
So I did not accuse.
I asked questions.
“Which development required you in San Diego this weekend?”
Preston looked at the page.
“Several matters overlap.”
“Name one.”
“I don’t have to explain individual travel to you.”
Samuel’s voice came through the speaker.
“During an internal review, you do.”
Preston turned toward the screen.
“Stay out of my marriage, Samuel.”
“I’m discussing corporate authorization.”
Brooke shifted behind him.
Then she made the mistake that changed the room.
“Preston told me those expenses were approved.”
Silence.
Preston turned slowly.
“Brooke.”
She looked confused.
“You said Evelyn never looks at the accounts.”
Every person at the table heard it.
Preston went pale.
Brooke realized too late that she had not defended him.
She had exposed his confidence that oversight did not matter.
I folded my hands.
“Continue.”
“I didn’t mean—”
“You sent me a wedding photograph yesterday,” I said.
“You were very certain of your position then.
Be equally certain now.”
Her face reddened.
Preston stepped between us.
“Enough.
This is vindictive.
You’re using the company because you’re angry I left you.”
I looked at him.
“You did not leave me.
You disappeared on your son’s birthday and returned to a house you assumed was yours.”
He gave a sharp laugh.
“And here we go again with the house.
Evelyn, if you think you can threaten me with a divorce settlement, talk to your lawyer.
I helped build our life too.”
