Chapter 2
I picked up the letter.
It was formal. Polite.
*I regret to inform you that I am resigning my position as HR Director, effective immediately...*
Signed: Victoria Reed.
Dated one week ago.
But Victoria was still here. Still sitting on his desk. Still wearing his lipstick on her collar.
"You never submitted it," I said, looking at her. "Why?"
Victoria's face went pale.
She looked at Michael.
Michael looked away.
Charlotte stepped closer.
"What is going on?" she demanded.
I held up the letter.
"She was going to resign," I said. "Last week. But she didn't. Why?"
I looked at Michael.
"Because you told her not to," I said. "Because you had a different plan."
Michael's jaw tightened.
"Claire, you don't understand—"
"I understand perfectly," I cut in. "You were having an affair with Victoria. She was going to leave and you were going to follow her. But then you got scared. You didn't want to lose your company. You didn't want to lose your wife's money."
I turned to Victoria.
"So he told you to frame me," I said. "To plant evidence. To send anonymous texts to Charlotte. To make her think I was the one. That way, when the truth came out—if it ever did—you'd already have a scapegoat."
Victoria said nothing. Tears filled her eyes.
"And then," I said, "he was going to fire you. Submit this resignation letter he made you sign. Pretend he caught you embezzling or harassing employees. Throw you under the bus to save himself. And to save his marriage."
Charlotte gasped.
She looked at Michael.
"Is that true?"
May you like
Michael said nothing.
His silence was the only answer she needed.
