The investigation soon uncovered something far bigger: a second corporation registered entirely in Carol’s name. Nearly $2.8 million had moved through it in the previous year, and the company controlled commercial properties, storage facilities, machinery, a warehouse, and part of a marina. Patrice discovered that the corporation had existed for twelve years without Carol’s knowledge, supported by forged deeds, contracts, corporate resolutions, powers of attorney, and even fabricated identification information.
As Patrice began preserving evidence, Ashley called Carol in tears and revealed that Dale had demanded she lie by claiming Carol knew about their affair. She refused and disclosed another secret—a burner phone Dale had been using to communicate with another woman. Ashley believed Dale wasn’t merely preparing for divorce; he intended to disappear completely. Carol later located the hidden phone in Dale’s work van but contacted Patrice rather than touching it, ensuring it could be preserved as potential evidence.
Then Dale sent Carol a threatening message saying he knew she had taken the folder and warning that she didn’t understand what she was dealing with. His final instruction was even more disturbing: “Ask your brother.” Carol’s brother had been dead for eleven years, and Dale knew it. Suddenly, Carol realized the aff
