Chapter 5 - Heather’s Wedding Wasn’t a Gift Either
Heather came to Gwen alone one evening.
She carried an envelope.
“I owe you.”
Gwen looked inside.
A cashier’s check.
$3,200.
“No.”
Heather frowned.
“What?”
“I’m not taking this.”
“But the wedding flights—”
“Brandon put them on my card.”
“Yes.”
“He told you it was his gift.”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t know.”
Heather looked ashamed.
“I laughed at you at Mom’s party.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve laughed before.”
Gwen said nothing.
Heather continued.
“Because Brandon always said you kept score.”
“I did.”
“I thought it was petty.”
Gwen smiled faintly.
“Funny how records become respectable after someone else needs them.”
Heather almost smiled.
Then she put the check away.
“What can I do?”
“Stop covering for him.”
Heather nodded.
That became important three weeks later.
During discovery, Brandon claimed several transfers from marital accounts had been authorized by Gwen for “family support.”
One was $22,000.
Gwen had never seen it.
The memo said:
HEATHER SUPPORT
Brandon’s lawyer implied Gwen had agreed to help Heather after her wedding.
Heather signed an affidavit immediately.
She had never received the money.
The transfer went to Pacific Crest Ventures.
Another lie.
One more fake family expense hiding Brandon’s investments.
Mara looked at Gwen.
“He used relatives as accounting descriptions.”
“Because nobody questions family.”
“Exactly.”
That line became the center of the case.
Christmas.
Surgery.
Wedding.
Mother.
Sister.
Family words placed beside transfers so Gwen would feel guilty asking questions.
Brandon had weaponized generosity.
If Gwen questioned spending, she was selfish.
If she paid, he was generous.
Perfect system.
For him.
May you like
Until the blue folder.
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