"Jeff, tell me, why didn't anyone notice this before?"
"Oh, but the board noticed it, Candis, but they didn't want to bother Dad with the finding."
Candis couldn't believe what she was hearing, "So how did Torren find out?"
Jeff took the initiative to respond, "Two months ago, when Torren started to check the delivery book, he came across it."
Candis felt her heart swelling with rage, yet fear was swallowing her inside. 'How come something so huge has taken place, and no one detected it?' Only thinking about that, Candis felt ashamed. She thought of the other managers who try to overpower her. 'Have they known, and behind my back laughing?'
She finally took courage and asked, "Two months, and how come no one said anything? But why, and there are so many workers in the accounts department, so why didn't anyone report it before Torren discovered this default in the accounts?"
"They did report it to the board, Candis, and as I said before, they didn't want to burden Dad."
Seeing the tears when she said, "Is that why Torren decided to pay according to our working hours?"
"Yes, my sister," Looking up, seeing him standing there.
"But why didn't you come to me, Torren?"
'You see, Candis, I didn't want to be the one to let you know what mischief your husband was up to. And to answer your question, why? It is because Shawney was getting some things in a store when your husband came with a delivery. No bill was retrieved from the delivery; only cash was passed over the counter. She informed me of what she had observed, so when I checked. The only person whose name was signed for the order of that delivery was yours."
"Was Shawney aware of all this that you are telling me now?"
"No, Candis, she only informed me of what she had observed. I never let her know what Travis been up to. As a matter of fact, if I didn't reveal what I know to the family, then why would I tell our guest?"
"Thank you, Torren, and Torren. I am sorry, please, if you could see it in your heart to forgive me, I would really appreciate it. I shouldn't be meddling in your life, as everyone keeps reminding me. From now on, if I see something or hear something, I will do like it's none of my business?"
"I hear you, Candis, but do you think I will do something to bring shame to my family, or to hinder my salvation?"
"Hear what, whatever happens, I don't care because from where I am standing now, and what you are saying, it seems I have enough on my plate."
Seeing how angry she was when she turned toward Travis, saying, "You have been signing my name and stealing from the factory?"
When Torren turned to leave, he said, "And another thing, Candis, you need to know that your husband has not been working in the sales department for the last two weeks, so be informed."
"Torren, that is not possible. Up until yesterday, Travis told me he had work overtime."
"I agree, he has been working overtime, but not at my factory, isn't that true, Travis? Now tell my sister where you have been going when you claim to be working overtime.
"Well, Travis, if what my brother is saying is true, then let me know where you been going?"
Seeing the way he was ignoring her eyes and was desperately avoiding answering her question. He tried to walk away when Lasandra called out, and said, "Maybe this might help you to understand more clearly, Candis."
Carl noticed the envelope in her hand as Careen stood next to Lasandra. Travis turned to look at both of them.
Knowing that both of them had spoken to him a few times about the friend they saw him with.
From what was said, it seems they never revealed anything to their husband. But that bitch had to open her big mouth and tell Torren. Now I'd better leave before he becomes angry and gets violent?'
Observing Torren took the envelope and opened it, then threw it to Carl. Torren ponders in his heart, 'I believe now is the most appropriate time to reveal my marriage to the family.'
"Oh, one other very important thing this family needs to know. Shawney is not a guest, as you all may think; she is the Mistress in this house."
Observing the way they all turn towards him with their mouth open, staring at him, "And at any time, I hear anyone ill speaking or saying anything about her? They will have to find another place to live. She didn't want anyone to know we are married, so we concealed it."
"We, what are you saying, does Dad know about this marriage?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, he is aware of it, and I will not tolerate any misconduct from any of you, especially the way you used to misbehave with Dalia and complain.
My marriage to Shawney was not an easy decision, and I took into consideration all that occurred when I was married to Dalia. Anytime you all have a problem, you can leave, but I am not going to be put in the middle to choose. I will stand with Shawney, through thick or thin, no matter what. She has been hurt enough, so an outburst like what happened Sunday was the last "
Then he walks away, leaving them all standing, staring after him.
Seeing Carl give Candis the envelope, Travis thought, 'This is my cue, I can't believe she could be so subtle. But she cunningly eased her way into this lavish mansion undetected.'