Chapter 1

Brittany, an acquaintance from my university days, called me out of the blue.

"Emily, hey! Long time no see." Her voice was too bright over the phone.

I remembered her mostly as quiet, someone who kept to herself. My family had a bit of money, and I'd helped her out a few times back then when she was struggling with tuition.

"Brittany, hi. What's up?"

"My younger sister, Jessica, she's got this great idea for a boutique coffee shop on Main Street. You know, artisanal roasts, homemade pastries, the whole nine yards. She's really talented."

I listened. Main Street in our small East Coast town was prime real estate.

"She needs some startup capital," Brittany continued, her voice a little hesitant now. "And I immediately thought of you. You're so good with business, and always so generous."

Jessica was younger, didn't go to college, married early, and already had a little boy. Brittany painted a picture of a young mom trying to make a better life. It sounded like a good local venture to support. My family owned some commercial properties, and I knew the value of a good local business.

"Okay, Brittany. Let's talk. Send me the business plan."

The plan looked decent enough for a small-town coffee shop. I met Jessica. She seemed eager, a little overwhelmed, but passionate. I decided to invest a significant amount, enough to get "The Daily Grind" up and running comfortably. I wanted to give her a real shot.

The café opened with a small local buzz. I made it a point to go often, always paying full price for my lattes and almond croissants. I brought friends, introduced colleagues. Business seemed to pick up. Jessica was always there, a welcoming smile on her face.

"Emily, you're our best customer!" she'd say.

"Happy to support you, Jessica. Everything's delicious."

One afternoon, my friend Sarah, whom I'd told about The Daily Grind, came into my office, beaming.

"Em, that coffee shop you mentioned? The Daily Grind? It's amazing!"

"I know, right?" I felt a little proud.

"And Jessica, the owner, is so sweet. We just clicked! She even added me to their VIP customer group on Facebook. Said I was a natural fit for their regulars."

I paused, my coffee cup halfway to my lips. "VIP group?"

"Yeah! They post about new pastry samples you can try for free, and there's a weekly free refill on their specialty brew. Cool, huh?"

"Huh," I said.

A weekly free refill? Free pastry samples? I'd been going there since day one, brought in at least a dozen new customers, and I'd never heard of this VIP group. Or received any free samples. Or refills.

Every time I bought a small "taster" size of a new scone or muffin, I paid full price for it, just like any other item.

Something felt off.