Chapter 5 - Chloe Did Not Know
I wanted Chloe to know.
Not because disclosure was strategically wise.
Because I wanted to hurt her.
Priya stopped me.
“You are angry.”
“Yes.”
“Do not weaponize financial records through texts.”
“She’s wearing their money.”
“Then let Greg explain.”
I listened.
Barely.
Chloe learned through her own attorney after police contacted both of us about the slaps.
She called Greg.
Not me.
Then sent one email through counsel.
I did not request it.
Audrey,
Greg told me the necklace was purchased with his annual bonus.
I did not know he used Sophie and Noah’s custodial accounts.
I do not expect you to believe me.
I am having the necklace appraised and will hold it until the financial issue is resolved.
No apology for slap.
Not yet.
But useful fact.
We later confirmed:
Months earlier Chloe sent Greg a link to the necklace as a joke after she got promoted.
Chloe:
Thirty years of being the superior Bennett sibling deserves sapphire.
Greg:
Maybe birthday.
Chloe:
You could never afford my taste.
Siblings.
Annoying.
Not conspiracy.
Greg later bought it.
Why?
Guilt.
Competition.
And an old promise.
He had missed Chloe’s thirtieth birthday because Sophie had pneumonia.
Chloe complained for months.
He told her:
“I owe you something big.”
Ridiculous.
Still not sinister.
Then his personal account ran low.
Instead of admitting he could not afford $6,500 jewelry, he borrowed from two accounts belonging to children.
“Borrowed.”
His word.
That distinction mattered greatly to him.
May you like
Not to the accounts.
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