Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Leonardo Cooper

I finish reviewing the last paragraph of a supply contract when the door to my office opens slowly.

I glance up over the rim of my glasses and see Adrian peeking through the gap. No sign of Gabriel, as expected. He had told me he needed to deal with a bank matter — personally, because according to him, there was no other way to resolve it.

He left half of the paperwork he was supposed to organize today scattered across my desk and promised the rest would be delivered later.

— I'd like to talk to you for a moment — Adrian says, stepping in with cautious strides, as if afraid he’s stepping into forbidden territory.

I place the pen on the desk and look at him over my lenses.

— Of course. Come in. What do you need?

He rubs one hand across his face, as if searching for the courage to speak.

— I was finalizing the signing of some reports when I noticed something... odd. In one of the documents. I’m not trying to stir trouble or raise unfounded suspicions... — he mumbles, in a tone as rehearsed as the smile he usually wears.

— Go on — I say, narrowing my eyes slightly. — Show me. I’d better analyze it myself.

Adrian slides a folded paper across the desk. I pick it up and scan the first few lines.

A supplemental financial transfer contract. The header looks legitimate, stamped with the company seal, signed by me — or rather, an exact replica of my signature.

As I read on, I notice strange clauses. An exorbitant amount directed to a third-party company I don’t recognize. The justification is vague, imprecise. “Strategic expansion services.”

No specific execution date, no concrete delivery description. Everything loosely written to avoid suspicion from anyone reading in a hurry. But the detail that makes me pause is the name on the sender’s signature: Gabriel.

I bring my hand to my chin, fingers pressing into my beard as I reread attentively. The subtext reveals a well-crafted scheme. Payments in three installments, starting in less than ten days. The money would come directly from the department under my control.

— Where did you get this? — I ask, looking up, tension crawling up my spine.

Adrian shrugs, as if the weight of the situation doesn't affect him.

— Gabriel handed out a copy of this to each executive, saying he'd organize a meeting tomorrow morning to align the approval. I found it odd. Thought I should show you. But if you don’t want to get involved, that’s fine.

I rise from my chair abruptly, pushing it back with the force of my movement.

— Are you saying Gabriel is trying to scam me? With forged documents using my signature?

He raises his hands, expression teetering between innocence and calculated neutrality.

— I don’t know, Leonardo. I just thought it was weird that he distributed this without checking with you first. But if you don’t believe me, check for yourself. The other executives have the same copies.

I take a deep breath. Blood throbs in my temples.

— This needs to be verified. Immediately. I won't jump to conclusions, but if this is what it seems... — I don’t finish. My tone says enough.

— I just wanted to help — Adrian says, taking a step back. — I don’t want trouble. It’s up to you what to do with the information.

— Of course. You can go. I appreciate the heads-up.

He leaves with that calculated posture of someone trying to appear helpful, while staying just out of the line of fire. As soon as the door shuts, I sit again and turn my eyes to the paper.

I read each clause with heightened attention. A flow of transfers planned in three phases, using internal codes mimicking old contracts. Perfect for slipping past someone inattentive. The total amount exceeds a million.

I reach for the phone, but pause before dialing. I need proof. Baseless accusations won’t get me anywhere. Gabriel has been my direct assistant for weeks. Always meticulous and available. But if this is his doing, it’s far from a simple mistake.

I unlock my tablet and dig through the system files. I search the records from the past three months. Two similar contracts pop up. All with slight variations, all signed “by me.” The date of signature precedes the trip I took abroad. Which means it couldn’t have been truly authorized by me.

I narrow my eyes, a bitter taste of betrayal rising in my throat. He had the time, access, and opportunity. But why? I still need to understand the motive, the details, what he hopes to gain — or who he’s working with.

I close the document and copy everything to an encrypted drive. I already know who to turn to for a discreet investigation. I need to move fast. If Adrian knows, others might too — and too much silence is never a good sign.

I reread the forged authorizations again. Each word stirs a growing discomfort. I get up, grab my phone, and type the message:

“We need to talk today. It’s urgent.”

I send it straight to Gabriel’s contact. I want to see his reaction in person. And more than that, I need to find out whether this betrayal just started — or if it was always right under my nose.

The hours drag on after the talk with Adrian. The paperwork remains on my desk, but my mind is elsewhere.

I can’t focus on anything except this veiled accusation.

I flip through the same contract for the fourth time, restless, when I hear the doorknob turn.

Gabriel walks in smiling, as if the day had started easy for him. He approaches with a cup of coffee in hand.

— Hey. Brought your usual coffee. So… what was so urgent that you wanted to talk about?

I don’t return the gesture. My expression stays stern. My eyes fixed on him.

He notices. His relaxed face falters, giving way to doubt.

— Why are you looking at me like that?

I rise slowly. Grab the folder in the corner of the desk and throw it against his chest in a sharp motion.

— How long did you think you could fool me? That contract was just bait, wasn’t it?

He clutches the papers, clearly confused.

— What are you talking about, Leonardo? I don’t understand.

A crooked smile escapes, dripping with irony.

— You don’t? Then read. You’ll understand quickly.

He opens the documents. His eyes scan the clauses, and the confusion quickly turns to fury.

— What are you insinuating here? That I created this fraud? Do you really think that’s my signature? How can you believe this?

He trembles. Raises the papers like they’re an insult.

— I’ve worked for you what, three weeks? And you already call me a traitor? Who gave you this?

— That’s not important — I reply coldly.

— What matters is that you sent this document to my executives.

You thought you could pull one over on me and walk out clean?

— You’re completely wrong! — he shouts, voice now raised. — Yeah, I’ve had a hard life. I’ve done a lot of shit. But I’ve never been a thief.

I take a step forward.

— Then explain it to me. That signature, those clauses, that contract. Everything here is crystal clear.

— I don’t know! — he yells. — You think I’d have the brains to pull this off in less than a month? I don’t even know half the directors!

I cross my arms. Lock eyes with him.

— Even so, everything points to you.

Gabriel starts pacing, clearly shaken. He yanks his badge from around his neck and throws it onto my desk.

— You know what? I quit.

And if you’re so sure of your accusation, report me.

But I’m filing a lawsuit against you.

For slander and defamation.

He pulls out his phone. Starts taking pictures of the documents. I approach, blood boiling.

— What are you doing?

— Protecting myself — he shoots back, brushing past my arm with his shoulder.

— That won’t help you — I warn, losing patience.

— It will — he says, laughing bitterly. — Because unlike you, I’ll defend myself with every cent I’ve got. But a thief, Leonardo? Never.

With the folder in hand, he walks to the door.

Before leaving, he hurls one last verbal spear:

— And one more thing... I won’t forgive you for this. Accusing me of theft was the worst offense.

I’ve never taken anything from anyone. And it won’t start now — not from some arrogant magnate like you.

The door slams shut.

I stand still, eyes on the badge lying on my desk.

His outburst echoes in my ears, pounding like a curse.

I don’t move.

Something inside me weighs heavily. More than just suspicion… it’s the discomfort of not knowing whether I was betrayed — or if I betrayed someone who only ever wanted my trust.