Chapter-3-THE-PROPOSAL
1189 Words
CHAPTER 3: THE PROPOSAL
Judith's POV
I didn't sleep that night, tossing and turning as I debated whether to go to the mysterious meeting at Rosewood Café or straight to the police station like Detective Martinez requested.
By morning I had made my decision, I would go to the café first and then to the police, whatever information this stranger had might be crucial to the investigation.
Mirabel was already at work when I left her apartment, so I took a taxi to Rosewood Café and arrived fifteen minutes early, scanning the room nervously for anyone who looked suspicious.
At exactly nine o'clock, a well-dressed woman in her forties approached my table. "Judith Scott?"
I nodded and she sat down, glancing around nervously before speaking.
"My name is Valerie Chen, I work for Solomon Price," she said quietly. "Mr. Price asked me to give you this before you speak with the police."
She slid a thick envelope across the table and I opened it to find financial documents, emails, and bank statements.
"What is this?" I asked, scanning the pages.
"Evidence that your husband has been systematically draining the research center accounts for the past year," Valerie explained. "Mr. Price's team discovered it while doing routine background checks, he thought you should have this information before the police interview."
"Why would Solomon Price care about my husband's financial crimes?" I asked suspiciously.
Valerie smiled slightly. "Mr. Price has his reasons, but he wants you to know that he's willing to help you fight for what's rightfully yours."
She stood to leave but I stopped her. "Wait, how did Solomon even know about the police investigation?"
"Mr. Price has connections everywhere," Valerie said simply. "He'll be in touch soon with a business proposal, in the meantime, use those documents wisely."
After she left, I spent an hour reviewing the evidence and my stomach turned with each page. Benjamin hadn't just been moving money, he had been stealing from investors, falsifying research data, and creating shell companies to hide millions of dollars.
My eight million dollar investment had been the seed money for his entire criminal enterprise.
I made it to the police station by eleven and spent three hours answering Detective Martinez's questions, providing her with copies of the documents Valerie had given me.
"This is extremely helpful," the detective said. "Mrs. Crawford, I have to ask, did you have any knowledge of these financial irregularities?"
"None," I said firmly. "I trusted my husband completely, which clearly was a mistake."
"We'll need you to testify when this goes to trial," Detective Martinez said. "Your husband is going to face serious charges."
I left the station feeling drained and headed to a coffee shop to clear my head, but when I walked in, I found Solomon Price waiting at a corner table.
"How did you know I'd be here?" I asked, sitting down across from him.
"Lucky guess," Solomon said with a slight smile. "I wanted to talk to you about an opportunity."
"Your assistant already gave me the evidence," I said. "Thank you for that, but I have to ask why you're helping me."
Solomon's expression grew serious. "Because five years ago I was in your exact position, my wife and business partner were having an affair and they nearly destroyed everything I'd built. I know what it's like to feel betrayed by the people you trusted most."
His honesty surprised me and I found myself relaxing slightly.
"I have a development project in Chicago that needs a photographer," Solomon continued. "Six months documenting the construction and the community, full pay plus housing and expenses, I think it would be good for you to get away from this city while the divorce proceedings happen."
"That's very generous," I said carefully. "But I barely know you, why would you offer me such an opportunity?"
"Because I saw your work at the gallery and I believe in giving talented people a second chance," Solomon said. "And because I think you need this as much as I need a good photographer."
I was about to respond when my phone rang, it was Andrea Stone, the divorce lawyer Mirabel had recommended.
"Judith, we have a problem," Andrea said when I answered. "Benjamin just filed a motion claiming you knew about his daughter before the marriage and that you have no legal right to demand return of your investment."
"That's a lie," I said, feeling panic rise in my chest.
"I know, but he's also claiming that Sandra will testify on his behalf," Andrea continued. "We need to meet immediately."
I hung up and looked at Solomon, who was watching me with concern.
"Bad news?" he asked.
"The worst," I admitted. "My husband is claiming I knew about his secret child all along and my former best friend is going to lie for him in court."
Solomon reached across the table and took my hand gently. "Then we'll fight back, I have the best lawyers in the country and they're at your disposal if you want them."
"Why are you doing this for me?" I whispered, tears threatening to fall.
"Because someone did it for me when I needed it most," Solomon said simply. "And because I have a feeling you're worth fighting for."
Before I could respond, the café door burst open and Benjamin stormed in, his eyes wild with rage when he saw Solomon holding my hand.
"Get away from my wife," Benjamin snarled, advancing toward our table.
Solomon stood calmly and positioned himself between Benjamin and me. "She's not your wife anymore, or she won't be soon."
"You have no idea what you're getting involved in," Benjamin said, his voice low and threatening.
"Actually, I have a very good idea," Solomon replied. "I know about the fraud, the falsified research data, the offshore accounts, should I continue?"
Benjamin's face went white and then red with fury. "You're going to regret this, both of you."
He turned and stormed out, but not before I saw the look in his eyes, pure hatred mixed with something else, something that looked almost like madness.
Solomon turned back to me, his expression grave. "Judith, I think you might be in danger, Benjamin is clearly unstable and men like that become unpredictable when they're cornered."
"What am I supposed to do?" I asked, my voice shaking.
"Take the Chicago job," Solomon said firmly. "Get out of this city for a while and let me and your lawyers handle Benjamin."
I wanted to argue, wanted to say I could handle this myself, but the truth was I felt terrified and alone and completely out of my depth.
"Okay," I whispered. "I'll go to Chicago."
Solomon squeezed my hand gently. "Good, I'll make the arrangements, you'll leave tomorrow."
As I left the café, my phone buzzed with a text from another unknown number: You think you're safe but you're not, I'm watching you right now and I know exactly where you're going, you can't hide from me, Judith.
I looked around frantically but saw no one suspicious, yet the feeling of being watched crawled across my skin like insects.
- Writer
