Chapter 14 - The Setup
Arthur Sterling realized that intimidation had failed. Claire Hale was not Victoria Langford’s victim anymore; she was a genuine threat. If she couldn't be scared, she had to be discredited.
The next morning, Claire’s bank accounts were suddenly frozen.
When she marched into the bank to demand an explanation, the manager looked at her with a mixture of pity and suspicion.
"Ms. Hale, a formal complaint was filed with the federal authorities overnight. You are being investigated for embezzling funds from the Evelyn Hale Foundation."
Claire stood frozen.
"That is impossible. Every cent is publicly accounted for."
"The authorities received an anonymous tip with digital records showing massive transfers to offshore accounts in your name. We had no choice but to freeze your assets pending the investigation."
Claire walked out of the bank, the cold wind hitting her face. Sterling was using the exact same playbook Victoria had used, only this time, he was weaponizing the very foundation Claire had built to help others. He wanted to drain her resources and destroy her public credibility before she could expose the Oakridge fraud.
Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.
"Ms. Hale."
Sterling's voice was smooth, cultured, and utterly devoid of empathy.
"I heard you are having some financial difficulties. Such a shame. If you were to publicly announce that your investigation into the Oakridge center was a misunderstanding, I'm sure those federal charges would simply disappear."
"You forged evidence to frame me," Claire said, her voice dripping with venom.
May you like
"I simply arranged the board. You are out of moves, Claire. Give me the flash drive David stole, and you can go back to your quiet life."
He hung up. Claire stared at the phone. He was wrong. She wasn't out of moves.
