Page 78 of Crude Heir

Addler, his expression dire, shakes his head slowly. “Legal channels take time,” Addler replies. “And Simon can do a lot of damage, given enough time.”

I tighten my arms around Nicole, who’s still curled up in my lap. She’s been dreading this moment for three years. The reality may have been a little too much for her. I want to protect her from all of it, just pick her up and take her somewhere safe where she doesn’t need to be afraid.

Addler presses his lips into a grim line then looks to everyone else in the room. He seems to make some sort of decision. “Can you all give us a minute?” he asks, his tone brooking no argument.

The room falls silent, tension ratcheting up over what might happen next.

Elena pauses, shooting him a look of concern, then turns to mom. “Miss Josie,” she says, with a smile that actually looks authentic. “Let’s go see if Mayela needs help fixing breakfast.”

Mom gives me a doubtful glance. Her intuition’s always been spot-on, this time is no different. Something’s definitely wrong, but I can’t have her be a part of what I have to deal with.

“Go ahead.” I tip my head toward the door, trying not to look so dire.

“I’m not leaving,” Keith states with steely determination. It’s the expression I’ve seen in the boardroom. I don’t think there’s anything I can say that’ll sway him easily.

Addler nods then turns to Ezequiel. “Can you shut the door?”

“Sure.” Once the door is closed, Addler draws in a breath and explains what he’s found.

“I sent a message for information on Nicole. There was an offshore account opened with Simon and Nicole’s names this morning.” Addler slides his thumb along the edge of the screen then catches my gaze. “Want to guess the balance?”

Nicole shakes her head, adamantly. “No, it wasn’t me.” She squeezes my hand, her eyes frantic at the thought someone would think she was part of the embezzlement.

“Don’t worry about that, Nicole,” Keith assures her.

“I…know someone who might be able to help,” Addler says tentatively. “I would only be able to get you so far without having questions come up. So it’s best you do it.” He presses his lips together. “But you’re going to need money for it, brother.”

“I can cover whatever it is,” Keith says, dismissing any concern. While I have a healthy bank account, I don’t have Keith Kelly money or Addler de Marco money. And that may be exactly what’s needed.

For the first time ever, I feel grateful for him being the man he is, and for sticking around.

Addler shakes his head. “It’s not that easy,” he explains. “This is invitation only,” he continues. “You’d have to be vetted to begin with.” He blows out a breath. “What I’m about to do,which is vouch for you, just isn’t done. I don’t know if it’ll work. I don’t know if it’ll backfire. But I’m willing to try.”

“You have the money you need,” Keith says. “I wasn’t lying when I told Simon I set you up before you were born. With stocks, properties, smart business decisions, and compound interest on accounts you haven’t touched, you became a billionaire nearly a decade ago.”

Everything inside me balks at the thought of accepting this. But the bundle in my arms is a reminder that there’s someone I’d do anything for. I can’t find the words, but I nod my acceptance and swallow down the pride I’ve been feeding until it’s taken over my entire life.

“Thank you.” This entire ordeal leaves me humbled.

Keith pulls out his phone. “Let me call my attorney and get the documents you need to sign.” He steps away.

“Okay, I’ll see what I can do.” Addler turns toward the door, needing privacy to talk to his contact.

“Can you find out if I can send the money back?” Nicole asks, stopping him mid-step.

It hadn’t occurred to me to try that, but with her experience in the accounting department, she’d know how money comes back into the company.

“That may be possible,” Addler replies thoughtfully.

“We can track down the rest of the invoices and do a credit on damages, or a return,” Nicole suggests. "That would take care of any questions that would come up at the office.”

“I don’t think Simon would expect for anyone to know he opened an offshore account,” I say, jumping on the idea. “Much less for someone to drain the account on the same day. But if Nicole’s name is there, then it would all be aboveboard.”

“Serves him right for trying to involve her.” Ezequiel snorts. “I’d kill to see his face when he finds out the balance is down to zero.”

“Let me go make that call.” Addler backs out of the room.

I don’t know what it is, but something tells me he’s worried about this. Is it because we’re emptying an account? Is there some kind of legal issue that might come back to haunt him?

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