Chapter 16 Morgan #2
After splashing cold water on her face and changing into more formal attire suitable for meeting with a high-powered attorney instead of the skinny jeans and blouse she was currently wearing, Morgan grabbed her purse and headed out.
She would text Archer after meeting with Alexandra Winters, once she had a clearer understanding of her situation.
The offices of Winters & Zhao occupied the top three floors of a sleek downtown high-rise. The reception area screamed money and influence—modern art on the walls, Italian leather seating, discreet lighting that somehow managed to make everyone look their best.
Morgan gave her name to the elegantly dressed receptionist and was immediately escorted to a corner office with breathtaking views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Alexandra Winters rose from behind her impressive desk, extending a hand in greeting.
The attorney wasn’t what Morgan had expected. Younger than anticipated—perhaps early forties—with sharp features softened by an unexpectedly warm smile. Her charcoal gray skirt and blazer were impeccably tailored, her dark hair pulled back in a sleek chignon.
“Ms. Reeves, please sit down,” Alexandra said, gesturing to the seating area rather than the more formal chairs opposite her desk. “I understand you’re in a difficult situation.”
Morgan sank into one of the comfortable chairs, suddenly feeling the emotional weight of the day. “Thank you for seeing me so quickly. I’m not sure where to begin.”
“Why don’t you start with what happened today, and then we can fill in the background,” Alexandra suggested, taking a seat across from her.
Morgan explained everything—the Henderson invoice with her signature that she’d never approved, Richard’s dismissive response, and this morning’s sudden placement on administrative leave. As she spoke, Alexandra took notes on a sleek tablet, occasionally asking clarifying questions.
“And you’ve never authorized any expenses beyond approved budgets?” the attorney asked when Morgan finished her account.
“Never. I’m meticulous about staying within client budgets.”
“Do you have access to any evidence? Emails, documentation, anything that might show tampering with your digital signature?”
Morgan thought for a moment. “I saved copies of some financial reports that seemed off, but nothing definitive, just a form that has my signature that I didn’t sign. Other than that, anything else is on my work computer, which they’ve now confiscated.”
Alexandra nodded, making another note. “That’s standard procedure in these cases. They’ll be examining your email history, document access logs, everything.”
“Will they find anything incriminating?” Morgan asked, worry creeping into her voice.
“If you didn’t do what they’re suggesting, then no, not legitimately.” Alexandra’s expression became more serious. “However, if someone has been using your credentials and digital signature, they may have created a paper trail that appears to implicate you.”
“Richard,” Morgan said with certainty. “My boss. This has to be him.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions yet,” Alexandra cautioned. “Tell me more about the company’s financial procedures. Who has access to your login credentials? How are digital signatures applied?”
Over the next hour, Morgan answered detailed questions about Vertex Creative’s operations, security protocols, and reporting structures. Alexandra was thorough, exploring angles Morgan hadn’t considered.
“Based on what you’ve told me,” the attorney said finally. “This appears to be a classic scapegoating situation. Someone has been committing financial fraud and is now setting you up to take the fall.”
“What do we do?” Morgan asked, relief flooding through her at being believed.
“First, we need to secure evidence before it disappears. I’ll file for an emergency injunction preventing Vertex from destroying or altering any records related to the accounts you’ve mentioned.
” Alexandra tapped something into her tablet.
“Second, we need to understand the bigger picture. Is Vertex Creative having financial difficulties? Ownership changes? Anything unusual happening at the corporate level?”
Morgan thought for a moment. “There have been rumors about a possible acquisition. Nothing concrete, but people have been speculating for months.”
Alexandra’s expression sharpened. “Acquisition? By whom?”
“I don’t know. It could just be office gossip.”
“That’s potentially significant,” the attorney said, making another note. “Financial irregularities often come to light during due diligence for acquisitions. If someone has been embezzling and knows the company is being examined for purchase, they might be rushing to cover their tracks.”
The assessment made perfect sense. Richard’s sudden move against her could be a desperate attempt to create a scapegoat before the acquisition process exposed his activities.
“What happens now?” Morgan asked.
“I’ll file the injunction this afternoon.
Then we’ll send a formal letter to Vertex Creative asserting your innocence and demanding they preserve all evidence.
” Alexandra looked up from her tablet. “In the meantime, don’t contact anyone at the company.
Don’t discuss details of the case with anyone not covered by attorney-client privilege. ”
“Not even..." Morgan hesitated. “Not even the person who referred me to you?”
Alexandra studied her for a moment. “You mean Archer?”
Morgan nodded.
“That’s... complicated.” The attorney seemed to choose her words carefully. “I can’t tell you who to talk to in your personal life, but I would advise discretion about the details of this case until we know more.”
There was something in her tone that Morgan couldn’t quite interpret—as if Alexandra knew something about Archer that she knew Morgan didn’t. The feeling of being the only one not in on some important secret was becoming frustratingly familiar.
“I understand,” Morgan said, though she didn’t, not really.
“Good. My assistant will be in touch with next steps.” Alexandra stood, signaling the end of their meeting. “Try not to worry too much. Cases like this are complex, but the truth has a way of emerging.”
As Morgan prepared to leave, a question that had been nagging at her finally surfaced. “Ms. Winters, may I ask you something? About Archer?”
The attorney paused. “Go ahead.”
“How do you know him? I mean, a single mention of his name got me an immediate appointment with one of the city’s top attorneys.”
Alexandra’s expression remained neutral. “Archer and I have worked together for many years. His referrals carry weight because his judgment is excellent.”
It was a professional, diplomatic non-answer that revealed nothing substantial. Morgan decided not to push further.
“Thank you again for your help,” she said instead.
“Of course. And Ms. Reeves?” Alexandra held her gaze a moment before continuing, “Whatever happens, remember that appearances can be deceiving. In my experience, the most important truths often hide in plain sight.”
The cryptic statement lingered in Morgan’s mind as she left the imposing office building and headed home. It felt like a warning, though of what exactly, she couldn’t be sure.
Back in her apartment, Morgan was undecided on whether to talk to Archer about what was happening. She sent him a quick text as she was thinking about him: Still on for tonight?
She debated saying more, explaining what had happened at work and the whole ridiculous situation, but Alexandra’s advice about discretion held her back. Until she understood what was happening, perhaps it was best to keep the details to herself.
Archer’s response came quickly: I’ll have a car pick you up at 7 as planned. Looking forward to tonight.
Morgan spent the rest of the afternoon trying to distract herself from her professional crisis.
She cleaned her already tidy apartment, and when she had nothing else to do, went out for a little retail therapy before coming home, taking a long shower, and carefully selecting her outfit for the evening—a simple black dress that could be either casual or formal depending on Archer’s plans.
At precisely 7:00 PM, her phone pinged with a text: Your car is outside.
Morgan grabbed her purse and headed downstairs, where a sleek black town car waited at the curb. Next to it, the driver, professionally attired and expressionless, opened the door for her.
“Good evening, Ms. Reeves,” he said. “My name’s Henry, I’ll be taking you to your destination this evening.”
“Thank you, Henry.” Morgan replied, sliding into the luxurious back seat.
As they pulled away from her building, the privacy partition raised silently, leaving Morgan alone with her thoughts.
The car’s interior was immaculate, the leather seats butter-soft, the temperature perfectly regulated.
This was no ordinary taxi or rideshare—this had to be the kind of private car service used by executives and celebrities.
This further evidence of Archer’s resources and connections only led to more questions about who exactly this man was beneath the helmet and mystery.
The car traveled into one of the city’s most exclusive parts of town, eventually pulling up to a modern high-rise that Morgan recognized from local luxury magazines. The building was a relatively new addition to the skyline, known for its sustainability features and ultra-luxury apartments.
“We’ve arrived, Ms. Reeves,” the driver announced as he opened her door. “The concierge is expecting you.”
Morgan thanked him and approached the building’s elegant lobby, where a uniformed concierge greeted her by name.
“Good evening, Ms. Reeves. You’re expected in the penthouse. I’ll need to see your ID, please.”
The penthouse. Of course he had a penthouse. Her heels suddenly felt too loud for the marble floor, and her simple black dress too casual for whatever world Archer really lived in.