Avery said:
“I know.”
Her mother looked.
“The wrong woman.”
“Yes.”
“What if you weren’t CEO?”
“Exactly.”
Curtis leaned back.
“Internet likes power reversal.”
Avery stared at him.
“That was almost insightful.”
“I’m full of depth.”
Rochelle said:
“You’re full of gumbo.”
Curtis ignored.
Avery rubbed her temples.
“I don’t want people defending me because I’m wealthy.”
“Then say that.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because if I speak, it becomes bigger.”
Rochelle considered.
“Maybe.”
“Maybe not.”
Avery looked.
Her mother continued.
“You don’t owe internet lesson.”
That mattered.
Avery nodded.
“Thank you.”
Rochelle pushed bowl.
“Eat.”
The next morning, the video had 4.6 million views.
Avery shut off notifications.
By noon, reporters were outside Monroe Grid Solutions.
Her employees entered through side parking.
Avery stayed home and worked remotely.
Not hiding.
Refusing to reward spectacle.
At 1:42 p.m., Detective Jordan Ellis called.
He introduced himself.
“Financial Crimes.”
Avery sat straighter.
“Financial Crimes?”
“Yes.”
“We found prior report involving Ms. Carlisle.”
“Officer Price mentioned.”
“There may be more.”
“How many?”
“We don’t know.”
“What do you need?”
“A detailed statement about the money demand.”
Avery agreed.
They met two days later.
Jordan Ellis had the demeanor of someone who did not enjoy being rushed.
Gray suit.
No tie.
Reading glasses.
He spread reports.
“Last year.”
He tapped.
“Parking garage.”
“Ms. Carlisle alleged another driver scraped her vehicle.”
“The other driver paid privately.”
“How much?”
“Twelve thousand.”
Avery frowned.
“Similar.”
“Yes.”
“Another?”
“Possibly.”
He showed insurance claim.
“Grocery-store parking lot.”
“Elderly couple.”
“Vehicle damage.”
“No camera.”
“Paid through insurer.”
Avery looked.
“Same SUV?”
“No.”
“White Range Rover.”
“Before current vehicle.”
Jordan pointed.
“Then another private payment.”
“Country club.”
“Four thousand.”
“Victim?”
“White male.”
Avery looked up.
“So she doesn’t only target race.”
Jordan nodded.
“Good.”
She frowned.
“What?”
“You separated pattern from your experience.”
“I’m trying.”
“Race may still matter in selection.”
“But we don’t assume.”
Avery almost smiled.