Identity Risk (The Billionaire Experience #3)

Chapter Fourteen

Jessie sat across from her Uncle Cliff in the conference room, the tension in the air almost palpable. The meeting had been productive so far, but there was one lingering issue she couldn’t ignore. As president of the company, Cliff oversaw most of the financials, but Jessie had been going over them herself since returning. A couple of line items had caught her attention, and now was the time to bring it up.

“So, Uncle Cliff,” Jessie began, keeping her voice steady and professional,” I noticed something odd in the financials for the last quarter. There are a few payments, nearly fifty thousand dollars in total, spread across several months. I couldn’t trace exactly where the money went. Do you know what those expenses were for?”

Cliff’s expression shifted instantly. His posture stiffened, and he shot her a look that was far from pleasant. “Are you accusing me of something, Jessie?” he snapped, his voice sharp. “Because it sure sounds like you’re accusing me of stealing.”

Jessie was blinded, taken aback by his sudden defensiveness. That wasn’t what she was implying at all. “No, I’m not accusing you of anything,” she said calmly, holding her ground. “I’m just asking if you know where the money went. If you don’t, we need to get to the bottom of it. That’s all.”

Cliff scowled, his fingers tapping impatiently on the table. “I’ll look into it,” he muttered, his tone clipped. “But I don’t appreciate being questioned like this.”

Jessie gave him a tight, professional smile, refusing to let his attitude get under her skin. “Thank you. I’m sure it’s just an oversight, but it’s better to be safe and double-check.” She made a point of keeping her voice steady, acting as if she were a composed professional, even though her uncle’s reaction had unsettled her. In fact, he had been acting strange ever since she returned.

He grunted in response, clearly not happy with the conversation, but Jessie wasn’t about to back down. They were talking about large sums of money, and it was her responsibility to ensure everything was above the board.

As the meeting wrapped up, Jessie’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She checked the screen as she stood to leave. It was a text from Cherise, the designer and owner of the lingerie boutique. She had called and made an appointment to go shopping.

Cherise: Your appointment is confirmed for 7 p.m. this evening,

Jessie quickly replied to Cherise and then sent a text to Mac to let him know about the plans.

Jessie: Hey, I’m going to be late tonight. I have an appointment with Cherise later.

Mac’s response came within seconds.

Mac: No problem. I’ve got meetings all day at the hotel. I think I’ll crash at the hotel tonight. Call me when you get home so I know you’re safe.

Jessie smiled at the thoughtfulness behind his words. Even in the chaos of his own day, he always made sure to check in on her. She texted him back, being a little playful.

Jessie: Will do. Have fun in your meetings.

Mac: I doubt they’ll be fun. Remember, I want you to pick out whatever your heart desires at Cherise’s. Maybe tomorrow night you can model your selections for me.

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly slipped her phone back into her bag, biting her lip to stifle a smile. Even though they were just texting, Mac had a way of making her feel both giddy and grounded.

With her spirits lifted from her and Mac’s exchange, Jessie headed out of the office, pushing the thoughts of the unsettling meeting with her uncle to the back of her mind. She’d wait and see what he came back with before making any decisions.

She had other things to focus on now—like finding something special at Cherise’s boutique.