When she leaves, I turn my attention back to the blonde woman whom I believed, even in a purely professional relationship, I knew.
She remains impassive, but suddenly, she turns to look at me.
We lock eyes for a few seconds, but what I see there brings back my brother’s words. I need to protect Olívia. She’s dangerous.
“That’s a very nice story, but as you gentlemen know, justice works based on evidence, not gossip. Therefore, nothing said here will prevent Miss Taylor from getting her job back or, if she’s no longer welcome in the Caldwell-Oviedo group, receiving compensation of . . .” He pretends to think. “I think a seven-figure sum would be a good starting point for negotiations, considering my client has been the target of insinuations that harm her professional image. Otherwise, we’ll have to take legal action.”
“In fact, we do have evidence that the order for framing Olívia Freitas came from your client. Miss Taylor’s scheme was almost perfect, but she forgot that the instructions she gave to Charlotte, about what to do and when, were through WhatsApp.” Levi pulls out some printed pages from his folder and hands them to Kathleen’s lawyer. “Now, let’s talk aboutyour supposed relationship with Guillermo Caldwell-Oviedo, Miss Taylor.”
“We kept it a secret,” she has the audacity to say.
I look at Olívia, and she signals a no with her head, as if to say we’re okay, sensing that I’m boiling with anger.
I’m eager to respond, but Levi looks at me, asking for patience.
“And when did this supposed relationship start?”
“Right after Mrs. Caldwell-Oviedo’s death. When Guillermo finally felt free to love again.”
Jesus Christ!
I try to remember the months after Layla’s death. That was when Kathleen really became more explicit about her intentions. Until then, I had noticed some looks, but without false modesty, that was never uncommon in my life. But suddenly, she seemed daring.
“Coincidentally, your fictitious relationship with my client began when your neighbor, who filed a restraining order against you, moved out.”
“What?” Now it’s her lawyer’s turn to be wide-eyed.
Clearly, Kathleen didn’t tell him everything. Big mistake. A lawyer is like a priest. Once confessions start, you shouldn’t keep secrets.
“Here, esteemed colleague, you can see in detail the restraining order filed,” Levi continues, offering more papers to her lawyer. “In it, Mr. Mason Abbot asks that your client stay away not only from him but also from his fiancée, who had her car’s four tires slashed by Miss Taylor, which was caught on the condo’s security cameras.”
“I won’t continue listening to these lies,” Kathleen says, although she remains seated.
God, Joaquín’s intuition about her was correct. The woman is insane.
“So, can we reach an agreement on a voluntary dismissal? Of course, she’ll receive everything due to her but nothing beyond what’s stipulated in the employment contract.”
“And what about the criminal charges?” Her lawyer’s demeanor has completely changed after examining the material provided by Levi.
“We can’t do anything about that. As you must know, everything is now in the hands of the police.”
“One last thing, Levi,” I interject. “Include in the agreement that this woman can no longer come near Olívia.”
“You can’t be serious, Guillermo!” Kathleen addresses me for the first time, using my first name, something she has never done before. I wonder if she’s lost between fantasy and reality. “It’s me, Kathleen, your longtime partner.”
God, she’s definitely insane.
“I’m sorry you created expectations in your head. You were never my partner, only an employee.”
“Like her? She’s also your employee.”
“No, she’s my girlfriend.”
Despite realizing her craziness, I don’t expect her reaction.
A hysterical laugh fills the air, and she stands up, pointing at Olívia. “You’re not even worthy of being a substitute, Olívia. You’ll never end up with him. I promise.”
“You know, when I started working here, they said your nickname was ‘rabid bitch,’ and I initially felt sorry for you when I heard that, but looking at you now, I can’t find a better description.” The aggression in Olívia is unusual, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t damn proud of my little firecracker.
