Chapter 4 - The Second Phone
The federal interview lasted four hours.
Elena learned Julian had allegedly created Northstar Advisory through a nominee and used it to receive consulting payments from suppliers competing for Meditron contracts.
Victoria’s company was only one.
The investigators believed Julian had manipulated procurement scores, leaked confidential information, and received payments disguised as consulting fees.
Then they asked Elena a question that terrified her.
“Did any of that money enter accounts in your name?”
“I don’t know.”
They showed her a bank statement.
A joint investment account.
$640,000.
Elena stared.
“I’ve never seen this.”
Julian had used her identity.
That transformed her from betrayed wife into potential suspect.
For the next two weeks, Elena fought to prove she had known nothing.
Meanwhile Julian fought differently.
He attacked her reputation.
Friends received messages claiming Elena was unstable.
His attorney implied she had fabricated the assault.
Anonymous accounts online called her vindictive.
Then Julian crossed a line.
He contacted Elena’s employer.
He told them she had stolen confidential corporate information.
Elena was placed on temporary leave.
For the first time since the bedroom, she broke down.
“I’m losing everything,” she told Naomi.
“No,” Naomi replied. “He is trying to make you believe you are.”
But the pressure intensified.
Until Victoria made a mistake.
She called Elena.
“I can make this disappear.”
Elena quietly activated recording, legal in her jurisdiction under the circumstances Naomi had explained.
“What do you want?”
“Tell investigators you misunderstood the folder.”
“And Julian?”
“Drop the assault complaint.”
Elena’s pulse accelerated.
“Why would I?”
“Because if Julian goes down, he’s taking everyone with him.”
“Including you?”
Silence.
Then Victoria whispered:
“You have no idea who else is involved.”
The call ended.
Elena immediately sent the recording to Margaret and investigators.
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Three hours later, Victoria was detained for questioning.
And Julian finally understood Elena was no longer the woman he could frighten into silence.
