Chapter 6 - THE PRICE OF STOPPING HIM
James River Community Bank suspended the loan application after Sophie reported that she had not signed the guaranty.
The bank’s compliance officer asked her to submit a written identity-theft affidavit and copies of the documents found at the wedding. He warned that an internal review would take time.
By noon, Dalton Custom Homes’ line of credit was also under review because Riverfront Foundry had been presented as an affiliated project.
Mark called from three different numbers.
Sophie blocked each one.
At four, Jenna arrived at Naomi’s apartment carrying a banker’s box.
“Payroll is Friday,” she said. “Dalton has enough for eleven employees. Not eighteen.”
Sophie let her inside.
Jenna placed copies of invoices, account transfers, and internal emails on the coffee table.
“He moved money for months,” she said. “Small amounts at first. Eight thousand. Twelve. Then the warehouse deposit.”
“Did your mother approve any of it?”
“She approved one thirty-thousand-dollar advance because Mark told her a client payment was late. She didn’t know it went to Riverfront.”
Naomi brought Jenna water.
Jenna did not drink it.
“Mark says you’re trying to destroy the company because the wedding embarrassed you.”
“He took our money and used my identity.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you here defending him?”
“I’m not defending him. I’m asking what happens to the carpenters and site crews who had nothing to do with this.”
Sophie had met many of them at company cookouts. Luis had three daughters. Ray cared for his wife after her stroke. Mark often referred to the employees as family when he wanted Sophie to attend holiday dinners.
Now that word had become another form of pressure.
“I won’t lie to the bank,” Sophie said.
“I’m not asking you to.”
“What are you asking?”
Jenna looked down. “Give me forty-eight hours before your attorney files anything public. Let me find out whether we can sell one of the lots and make payroll.”
Sophie considered it.
Rachel had advised her not to hide evidence or make private agreements, but a two-day pause would not restore the loan or erase the bank’s review.
“I’ll give you until Thursday morning,” Sophie said. “I won’t contact clients or employees. The bank investigation continues.”
Jenna nodded.
Before leaving, she handed Sophie an email Mark had sent to the wedding coordinator.
Reserve the small library from 7:30 to 8:00. Family only. Documents signed after cake, before speeches. Do not allow photographers inside.
The email had been sent three weeks earlier.
The cake was cut at 7:15.
The humiliation had been scheduled immediately before the signing.
Sophie looked at Jenna. “He thought I’d sign after his mother attacked me.”
Jenna’s face tightened.
“He thought you’d want the evening to continue,” she said. “You always fix things before anyone notices they’re broken.”
That was the first accusation Sophie could not dismiss.
For four years, she had cleaned up Mark’s forgotten bills, softened his promises, and translated Evelyn’s insults into concern.
May you like
Mark had not mistaken her kindness for weakness.
He had built his plan around it.
