‘Related-party transaction. Undisclosed beneficiary conflict. Misappropriation of project funds. That makes your personal life extremely relevant.’
Ashley laughed once, too high, too fast.
‘Consulting fees aren’t misappropriation.’
Dana opened her folder and handed Edwin three clipped copies without looking at either of them.
‘Your consulting fees paid for a furnished lease, a mattress delivery, and a bridal photographer holding noon to four today,’ she said. ‘The florist used the same billing address.’
Color moved through Gregory’s face in reverse. First the confidence. Then the warmth. Then everything else.
He looked at me again, and this time there was no practiced smile on him at all.
‘You set me up.’
‘No,’ I said. ‘I read what you counted on me not reading.’
Edwin turned one more page and his tone shifted, not warmer, not colder, just official.
