$4.8 million, to be exact. For services that were never rendered.”

Beatrice’s hand went to her throat, clutching a pearl necklace. “I… I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“The detectives in the next room do,” Chloe said. “They’re currently executing a search warrant at your lake house. The one bought with a wire transfer from the Apex payroll account.”

Two detectives stepped into the room. Beatrice Vale, the woman who had spent years looking down her nose at me while I hid my bruises, finally looked small.

“Beatrice Vale, you’re being detained for questioning regarding conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering,” the detective said.

As they led her away, she looked back at me, her face twisted into a mask of pure hatred. “You’ll rot in hell for this, Elara!”