Burton couldn't hide his delight. "Wonderful, wonderful! Miss Henson has finally come around. Mr. Henson will be absolutely thrilled to hear this!"
Being the Henson family's eldest daughter was one thing, but I'd built my own life outside of that. I wrote articles, earned my own income.
Yet every few months, Warren would claim he was broke and take my bank card.
This time was no different.
There had been fifty thousand dollars in that account. Warren had blown through every last cent overnight.
I stared at the transaction alerts, watching the balance drop to zero.
Then I called the private investigator.
"Find out what Warren Gilbert has been doing lately."
Evan Parker came back with answers fast.
Warren had taken my money and started a fake company. A front to lure in young women.
"My company just launched—we're in the growth phase right now."
"Gladys, I can tell you're talented. Hardworking too. How about becoming my secretary?"
Among all his new "hires," Gladys Fox stood out. Stunning face, curves in all the right places, a smile that lit up the room.
She'd become Warren's latest prey.
"I'd love to! Thank you so much for believing in me, Mr. Gilbert. I promise I'll work hard!"
Gladys thought she'd landed a wealthy businessman. She was practically throwing herself at him.
Two weeks later, I called Warren.
To discuss the divorce date.
Gladys answered his phone instead. Her voice dripped with syrupy sweetness.
"Oh, Mrs. Gilbert? Mr. Gilbert had a bit too much to drink. I'm just helping him back to the hotel to rest. Maybe call back when he's sobered up?"
My heart lurched.
Why was a woman answering his phone?
"Who is this?" I demanded. "Are you one of Warren's secretaries?"
"That's right."
Her voice was languid, utterly unbothered.
"Mr. Gilbert saw my potential right away. Picked me out of all the other girls."
"It's truly an honor to serve him."
My voice turned cold. I cut her off.
"Let me give you some advice. Warren Gilbert is bad news. Quit that job and get out while you can."
Gladys just laughed.
"Lady, what kind of wife goes around badmouthing her own husband like this?"
"Besides, Mr. Gilbert is so capable—he even runs his own company. Girls would kill for a man like that."
"If you ask me, you're just one of those jealous shrews who can't stand the thought of him falling for someone younger. You're trying to get rid of me, aren't you? Well, let me make one thing perfectly clear—"