We Will Love Again – Episode 28
Noah read Aaron’s report twice. The money trail led through a consulting account used by one of Nora’s longtime associates, then ended in a payment made to Abigale days before the leak.
“Are you certain?” he asked.
“Certain enough to bring in legal.” Aaron placed the supporting records on the desk. “We still need Abigale to confirm who approached her.”
Noah looked through the glass at Alaina. His mother had promised to protect his future, yet the sabotage risked destroying Alaina’s career and the company he intended to buy.
Joey summoned Abigale to the conference room. She arrived defensive, then lost color when Aaron displayed the transfer.
“It wasn’t supposed to become a criminal investigation,” she said. “I was told to make Alaina look unreliable.”
“By whom?” Noah asked.
Abigale glanced toward Alaina outside. “A woman contacted me after the first meeting. She said Alaina had manipulated you before and would do it again.”
“My mother.” Noah did not phrase it as a question.
Abigale nodded. “She said she was protecting you.”
The familiar justification brought no comfort. Nora had transformed protection into a weapon so often that she no longer seemed to recognize the difference.
Alaina entered after Joey called her. When she learned the truth, disappointment settled over her rather than triumph.
“Abigale will be terminated,” Joey announced. He sounded eager to prove he could act decisively now that Noah’s investment was at stake.
Alaina looked at her coworker. “Why did you agree?”
Abigale’s resentment surfaced through tears. “Because you were always fixing everyone’s work and pretending you didn’t want credit. Then Noah Preston walked in and chose you.”
“He chose me to punish me,” Alaina replied. The explanation offered no satisfaction to either woman.
Noah instructed legal counsel to handle the breach without public scandal if possible. He would not excuse Abigale, but he refused to let Nora’s manipulation consume another life unchecked.
When the room emptied, he approached Alaina. “I’ll make sure this cannot touch your record.”
“Your mother did this because she thinks I’m still a threat.” Alaina looked toward the door. “What happens when protecting me costs you your relationship with her?”
Noah’s phone rang before he could answer. Nora’s name appeared on the screen, followed by a message that made his face harden: If you choose Alaina again, do not call me your mother.
