Chapter 14 - Shadows from the Past
Two weeks later, an unexpected visitor showed up at our office building downtown.
It wasn't Susan, and it wasn't Mark. It was Chad Vance—Lauren’s former husband, the Cincinnati heir who had annulled their marriage ninety-six hours after the viral wedding disaster.
Chad looked thoroughly exhausted. Gone was the arrogant, polished swagger he had displayed at engagement parties. He wore a rumpled gray suit, his hair slightly disheveled as he stood awkwardly in front of Chloe’s executive desk.
"Mrs. Brooks," Chad said, offering a weak, sheepish smile when I walked out of my private office to grab coffee. "Or... Ms. Carter. Do you have a few minutes?"
I stopped, holding my ceramic mug, eyeing him with cold curiosity. "Chad. What are you doing here?"
"I know I’m the last person you want to see," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "And I don't blame you. But... I need to talk to you about Lauren."
"If this is about financial support or legal representation, my answer is no," I said flatly, turning toward the breakroom.
"No, no—nothing like that," Chad hurried to say, following me cautiously. "She’s gone, Emily. Two weeks ago, she packed up everything and moved out of our temporary apartment in Cincinnati. She left a note saying she was moving to Los Angeles to try and break into some reality television influencer network."
I poured hot water over my tea bag, leaning against the counter. "That sounds entirely on brand for her."
"The reason I’m telling you is because before she left, she cleaned out what remained of your parents' joint savings account," Chad said grimly. "The townhome on Maple Street? It’s in foreclosure now. Your parents are completely broke, and your father’s medical bills are piling up."
I turned around, looking Chad straight in the eye. "Why are you telling me this, Chad? You dodged the bullet. Why come to me?"
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"Because," Chad said quietly, "she’s still your sister. And no matter how toxic she is... watching them destroy themselves is getting harder to watch from the outside."
"They made their choices, Chad," I said, my voice steady and resolute. "Just like you made yours when you ran back to Cincinnati."
