Chapter 6 - The Threat
The letter arrived by email at 9:12 p.m. Glasshouse's lawyer accused the Juniper Table of defamation, intentional interference with business, and unlawful release of a private meeting. It demanded an apology and a signed promise never to discuss the incident again.
I read it twice in the quiet office behind the kitchen.
"For what?" I asked Jonah. "She poured wine on me."
"The letter says you planned to sabotage her bid."
"I didn't even know she had a bid until she sat down."
"I know. But keep every message. Don't answer her directly."
Jonah sounded tired. He had spent his evening explaining to Harborstone why his wife appeared in an argument involving a pending vendor. He had told Anita he'd step away from that company's evaluation. It was the right decision, and I hated that Lauren had pushed us into needing it.
"Are you angry with me?" I asked.
There was a pause. "I'm angry you had to ask."
We didn't always agree, but he had never asked me to be smaller so someone powerful could stay comfortable.
I forwarded the threat to our attorney, Leah Park, who called within five minutes.
"First, don't panic. Second, don't post anything until we preserve the full recording. Third, who sent you the anonymous tip?"
"I don't know."
"Then we need to find out without risking that person."
At home, Mom was waiting with tea.
"I saw the picture," she said. "Did she do that to you?"
I nodded. Mom reached across the table and held my hand.
"She hasn't changed much," she said.
May you like
Before I could answer, Leah texted me a screenshot from the legal letter's attachments.
Lauren had included an employee roster from my restaurant. Every home address was visible.
