31 - Beginning of lies

Abigail's POV.

“Gerald, I need to—” I immediately halted after seeing Annie inside his office. I entered Gerald's office, staring at my secretary because I didn't know she was there.

“What are you doing here, Annie? I've been looking for you, and yet you're here?” I asked, confused.

“Oh, Abby!” Gerald interfered when she didn't answer. He rose from his seat, approached me, and replied, “I asked Annie if she could get me a coffee since I still have a hangover from last night's party.”

“So, she's running errands for you while I'm having difficulty looking for her?” I said, pissed.

“Babe, stop stressing yourself out. Please don't throw your stress on Annie, especially since it was my fault. I didn't know you needed her, so don't get mad.”

I calm myself before turning to my secretary, “Go to my office and grab the remaining files.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

“Faster!” I said, causing her to rush out of his office.

Gerald comforted me, offering the couch before handing me a glass of water. I've been stressed since last week because I took all his work when he got locked up in jail, which is my idea.

“What's wrong?” He asked, concerned.

I face him after drinking the water because there's something we need to discuss. “I'm not going to waste any more time, Gerald. I need to talk to you.”

“Sure. What is it?”

I handed him the folder, and he accepted it, reading its content before turning his gaze at me. He seems confused and doesn't understand what is going on, so I need to explain to him the problem.

“I received a call from the bank yesterday. Someone made a withdrawal of ninety million dollars.”

“What? How is this possible? Have you spoken with the CFO?”

“Yes, I did. But he had no idea what was going on and didn't notice the withdrawal. That's why I came to you, Gerald. You are my COO. I need your help to solve this problem,” I stated.

“Well, this is my first time experiencing such a problem. I mean, we never had this problem before. Perhaps someone had access to the company's money and withdrew it while we were at the charity ball.”

I sighed before parting from him and thought about what he said. “But how did that person know we're busy? I mean, unless that person was around and could see our every move.”

“You know what, Abby? Don't worry about it. It's just ninety million—”

“Just?” I scoffed, “Gerald, ninety million is a huge amount of money we can't earn for one week. The company will fall if we don't find that person.”

“I know, Abby. I'm worried about your health, especially since you've worked so late these past few days. Why don't you go home early and let me handle this problem?” He suggested.

For once, I was trying to make him tell me the truth, but he seemed desperate to lie to my face. I don't know what happened to the money, but I know he's the only person who can access it. I allowed Gerald to access the company's money to discuss some things necessary to the company with the CFO.

However, his lie wasn't convincing enough for me to believe.

He massaged my shoulder and muttered, “Take care of yourself, Abigail. This is just a challenge, and we will overcome this. I believe you, so you don't have to worry, and let me handle this. You trust me, right?”

I exhaled deeply, “Yes, I am.”

“Great. Now, I want you to take a day off and let me handle everything. When you get back from your day off, I am sure that everything will be fine.”

“Oh, Gerald. What will I do without you?” I kissed him on the cheek, causing him to smile and touch my chin, “You know I can do everything for you, Abigail.”

“Of course you do.” I rose from my seat and headed outside his office; my smile immediately disappeared and was replaced with anger. I know he was lying, and he knows what is going on.

Well, I let him make a mistake: more mistakes, more evidence to hold on. Gerald is a wise man, but to help his wife escape the trouble she enters, he will do everything to make his reputation clean.

I entered my office, approached my chair, and dialed Baron's number. I must tell him my suspicion, especially since I put my father's company at stake.

[Abby,] his voice echoed through the phone.

I miss him.

“Baron! Thank God you answered!” I was relieved because he answered my call instantly.

He chuckled, [Of course, Abby. Are you alright?]

“Don't be mad at me, but I made a huge mistake.”

[Whatever it is, you can do it.]

I smiled because I knew he was trying to lessen my stress. “I know, Baron. If I can have you by my side again…”

[I'm always by your side, even though I'm not there.]

After hearing those words, I felt mad at myself. “I let Gerald withdraw ninety million dollars in the company's money.”

[What? How?]

“He's the only one I know who can do such a thing, especially since his wife purchased an expensive painting from the auction. They don't have that kind of money stash somewhere so he can be the one.”

[Don't worry about it. I will help you get through this, but you must stop him from ruining the company.]

“I know, Baron. If my suspicions were right about him and his wife, then I would not let this slide. I need more evidence until the day of the verdict, especially since he owes me a lot.”

[Glad you call me Abigail. I need to tell you something.]

“Why? Did you find something else?”

[Yes. I found something about…] he sighed.

“About what?”

[About your mother.]

My heart skipped when he mentioned my mother. I was so focused on my dad's case and almost forgot about my mom. I checked my phone's calendar and saw that my mother's death anniversary was in three days.

[Abigail, are you still there?] He asked when I became silent.

“Yes…” I took a deep breath and asked, “What is it, Baron?”

[Same case with your father, Abby.]

“What do you mean?”

[She didn't die of illness.]

“What? I don't understand what you were saying…” I replied.

[She was killed.]