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I gazed around, unsure. “But the computers, the equipment.”
“Yeah. From what my studio manager shared, the recent edits to the Ludwig documentary film are destroyed but can be redone. However, some of the footage we filmed at the castle is missing from here and the German studio.”
“Are you saying…do you think Ingrid did this?”
“Yes, I am. She didn’t hide it at all. Security video shows her looking at the camera. There were searches for her footage and copies removed. She attempted to steal her documentary so that I wouldn’t be able to use it.” Why? Why would she destroy something so precious to her?
I hugged him. “I’m so sorry, Paul. Especially that it was someone you thought was a friend.”
“So am I, but it’s only material things. I’m happy no one was harmed. We’re changing all the security here and replacing the equipment. It will be up and running again in a couple of days.”
“How did she get in?” I murmured.
His brows knitted. “I gave her a key. It wasn’t a break-in, but a break of trust. This is so unlike Ingrid. She’s much better than this—”
“No, she’s not, apparently,” I huffed.
“She thinks she loves me, but we’re better as friends. I thought she believed that, too.” He scrubbed his clenched jaw.
My brows furrowed. “This was her work. She’s hurting herself.”
“Ingrid destroyed it because I own the footage. She would have to work with me to finish it. I could, of course, sue her, but I don’t think that would be wise for either of us.”
I snorted. “So Ingrid gets to destroy your property and nothing happens to her?”
“I’ll do something, of course, and soon. There are times when lawsuits are more damaging. I don’t want the publicity or to have to deal with her again. There are many other ways to settle things with her.”
I pursed my lips. “If you say so.”
“I do. Trust me. You have a call to make, and I’d like for us to enjoy dinner somewhere, but first, I want to make sure you’re added as a security exception.”
Paul took me around and introduced me to everyone there. I was photographed and cleared with a pass to every door in the building. Paul shook André’s hand, and we returned with Laurence to the car and back to the house. We climbed out and headed to the front door.
“Paul,” a recognizable voice called from behind us.
We both turned, and there was Ingrid. “Can I please speak with you?” She sniffed, her eyes puffy.
Paul glanced at me. “All right. You can come inside.”
He kissed me, and Ingrid’s loud scoff showed exactly what she felt about us. I just couldn’t believe the extreme measures she enacted to get more time with him. Or maybe to convince him that she was better suited to him. We were back inside the house, with Ingrid trailing behind us.
I was about to go upstairs when Paul took my hand. “No. Please, stay.”
“But this is between you and me,” Ingrid clipped.
“We have no secrets,” he said to her, and I remained by his side.
She placed her hands on the back of her denim jeans. “We have no secrets, Paul. This is ridiculous. You with her is ridiculous. She’s uneducated—”
“Do not insult Nadia in front of me again, or we end this now,” he cut her off in a sharp tone.
I flinched.
“But, come on, Paul. You’ve achieved so much in your life, and so have I. I’m a producer with my own company. We have a similar upbringing. Sure, she’s pretty, but she’s only a child. I mean, she’s only a student at an art college. You have nothing in common with her.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong, Ingrid. I don’t have to justify myself to you, but if you want the truth, Nadia’s selfless love gave me what was missing in my life. She has more warmth, compassion, humor, and capacity for love than any other person I know.”
My chest tightened at his sentiment.
