Page 99 of Exposed

“Power and money can change people, and not always for the better,” Mr. Crane says diplomatically. “We’re not here to harp on the past. Let’s focus on the future. We’d like to have you back. Your expertise and talent are remarkable, especially for your age. We can put you under the top finance executives, and your future here will be extremely bright.”

I let him give his spiel, but I have zero intentions of accepting. Something feels off to me, and I can tell Matt is getting the same vibe when he links his hand with mine under the table.

“With all due respect, Mr. Galloway, we’d like to have a word with Jasmine in private,” Ian pipes up.

Matt looks at me, and I tug on my pencil skirt. Before we arrived, we agreed on that signal as my hidden message for him to stay with me.

“No, thanks. I’ll stay.” Matt settles himself more into his black leather chair.

“You understand the legalities of these matters,” Mr. Crane smiles at Matt.

“I understand I’m not leaving this room,” Matt replies coolly.

Ian gives a heavy sigh and wipes a hand down his face. Mr. Crane clears his throat in exasperation.

Let them be frustrated. My whole life was flipped upside down by Kevin’s actions, and I want answers.

Kevin mentioned how he and Ian grew up together and watched their dads’ company grow to what it is today. Both him and Kevin were being primed to be the new leadership for Titan Securities when their dads retired.

“What did Kevin say about the crimes he committed? Why did he do it?” I push.

“We’re not allowed to comment as the case is ongoing,” Mr. Crane answers smoothly.

“We could use someone with your skill set,” Ian adds. “We know you saw the discrepancies the day before he framed you.”

How do they know that?

“Did Kevin tell you that? Is that why he framed me?” I ask.

“That’s precisely why,” Ian responds. “What will it take for you to work with us?”

Nothing could make me leave Matt and Simon. Life with them is worlds more meaningful than looking at numbers all day. I finally have people in my life who care about and love me, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing that will change my mind. I’m not interested in working here again,” I say with conviction.

Mr. Crane’s phone rings, and when he looks down at the caller, he stands. “I need to take this. Excuse me for a moment.”

Ian keeps his eyes glued to his dad until Mr. Crane leaves the room. Then, his gaze locks on me.

“Why the fuck are you here if you don’t want to be employed anymore?” Ian snarls.

“Has this been hard on you? Kevin said you and he grew up together like brothers,” I reply, ignoring his question.

Kevin was down to earth and showed up to at least three meetings we had in the six months I worked here. He always spoke fondly of Ian.

“Kevin is a pansy. He should’ve been spending his time with wealthy potential clients instead of slumming it with underlings like you. He doesn’t deserve half of the company,” Ian sneers.

Whoa. I think the police got the wrong guy.

“Kevin’s conviction isn’t set in stone. We’ll need you to testify against him in court,” Ian demands.

“I never witnessed Kevin do anything wrong.” I tilt my head in confusion.

“You know he’s guilty. It’s his account that hacked into yours and falsified all of those emails. He’s the reason your innocence was destroyed. He never tried to help you or prove your innocence. You were a fugitive, Jasmine, and Kevin is to blame. Our attorneys will instruct you on what to say on the stand.”

“Are you suggesting my wife commit perjury?” Matt asks pointedly.

“Come on,” Ian says condescendingly and waves his arms around the room. “Look around you. This company wasn’t created by telling the truth all of the time.”

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