Chapter 3: Michael Reads the Email
Chapter 3: Michael Reads the Email
Michael Carter opened the email at 9:03 a.m.
He was in his office.
Not at home.
Not with “clients.”
Brittany was likely still asleep in one of his properties across the city.
His first reaction wasn’t anger.
It was disbelief.
Then he read the photos.
Then the messages.
Then the words:
Formal Complaint Regarding Employee Conduct — Brittany Adams
By 9:05, his assistant had knocked on his door twice.
He didn’t answer.
By 9:06, the legal department was calling him.
He didn’t pick up.
By 9:07, the board chairman was already requesting an emergency meeting.
And by 9:08, Michael finally called me.
I let it ring once.
Twice.
Then answered.
“Claire,” he said, voice tight. “What did you do?”
I looked out at Central Park.
“I shared information,” I said calmly.
“This is insane. You emailed the entire company—”
“127 recipients,” I corrected gently. “Not the entire company.”
Silence.
May you like
Then, sharper: “You’re trying to destroy me.”
“No,” I said. “You did that part yourself. I just documented it.”
