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“He’s facing four counts of filing false tax returns and two counts of structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements,” Jacob said. “The feds say that he also used business proceeds to buy a million-dollar home in New Jersey, and to transfer funds to Nigeria.”
Marissa could feel the heat of Griffin’s gaze as he silently observed her. She kept her expression blank. She was afraid that he might see the truth that she was keeping something from him.
After the meeting, Harper followed Marissa into her office.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“As well as can be expected,” she said. “How about you?”
“Same here.”
Marissa gave him a sidelong glance. “How are things going between you and Uncle Frank?”
“I don’t have a whole lot to say to him,” Harper said. “We don’t talk unless we have to, and that’s mostly here in the office. By the way, your mom invited all of us over for one of the Hamilton family dinners on Sunday.”
Marissa groaned. “I don’t want to do this.”
Harper nodded in agreement. “Neither do I. In fact, Azure and I won’t be in attendance.”
“You should rethink your decision,” Marissa said. “I think we should both attend—if we don’t, then the rest of the family may get suspicious. That’s the last thing we need.”
Chapter 7
Marissa was relieved when Jake and his wife, Charlotte, arrived on Sunday. Jeanette could then take her focus off Marissa. Her mother had been trying to engage her in conversation all morning. Marissa just wanted to get through this family dinner so that she could retreat to her bedroom. She was not feeling well and had experienced momentary bouts of nausea.
While Jeanette was engaged in a conversation with Charlotte, Marissa hid out in the kitchen. She checked on the food before setting the table in the massive dining room.
Marcus arrived next.
He glanced at his sister, saying, “Marissa, are you putting on weight?”
“That’s a question no girl likes to hear,” Marissa responded as casually as she could manage.
“It looks good on you,” Marcus assured her. “In fact, you’re glowing. I guess we’re not working you too hard from the looks of it.”
She smiled. “Trust me, I work hard enough.”
When Harper and Azure walked into the house, Marissa met them in the living room. “I’m so glad you both came.”
“My mom and dad won’t be here,” Harper announced. “I can’t say that I’m disappointed, though.”
Marissa agreed.
The rest of her siblings arrived, as did Harper’s.
They all gathered in the spacious family room, talking until Jeanette announced dinner was served.
The evening turned out to be a pleasant one, and despite everything that was going on, Marissa managed to enjoy herself.
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