After discharge, I secured every account, changed passwords, and documented every interaction involving Brooke. That night, a colleague called asking about a company I supposedly launched called Harbor Ridge Ventures.
I had never heard of it.
By the next morning, more calls confirmed Brooke was using my name and reputation to build credibility, even suggesting events would take place at the river house. I drove there immediately.
The door was unlocked, and voices filled the living room where Brooke stood speaking confidently to two visitors. When she saw me, her composure faltered for just a moment.
“Lauren,” she said, smiling again, “perfect timing, I was just showing them the property.”
The visitors introduced themselves, but I stopped them. “This property is not available, and neither am I.”
They left quickly, understanding enough without explanation.
Brooke turned to me sharply. “You’re making this harder than necessary.”
“No,” I said calmly. “I’m making it impossible for you to take what is not yours.”
Her confidence cracked again before she grabbed her bag and left, slamming the door behind her.
From that moment, everything became strategic.