Deep Dive
Why did Dawn initially feel conflicted about her relationship with Wes?
Dawn felt conflicted because she was married with two young daughters when she met Wes. She described her first husband as a nice guy but admitted she wasn't in love with him. Despite the instant attraction to Wes, she knew pursuing a relationship with him was wrong, especially since he initially lied about being single and later revealed he was also married with a daughter.
What was the turning point that revealed Wes's deception about his job?
The turning point came when Dawn's cell phone got turned off, and she called Wes's supposed workplace, Chaparral Steel, only to find out he didn't work there. This discovery led her to call his ex-wife, who confirmed that Wes was still married and living with her, not separated as he had claimed.
How did Dawn and Wes's relationship evolve after their initial affair?
After their initial affair, Dawn left her husband, and Wes claimed to be separating from his wife. They got engaged, made their relationship public, and started building a life together. Dawn moved to a small town near Dallas to be closer to Wes, and they planned a wedding. However, their relationship was built on lies, as Wes was still married and living with his wife.
What was the nature of Wes's fraudulent activities in his oil and gas company?
Wes's company illegally raised $13 million through a boiler room scheme, where salespeople duped investors using fake data and false promises of returns. The funds were misappropriated, with Wes using the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including paying a stripper on the payroll and buying luxury items. The company's operations were a scam, and investors never saw the promised returns.
How did Dawn discover Wes's affair with her close friend, Sandy?
Dawn discovered Wes's affair with Sandy after he went on a work trip. She called the hotel where he was staying and found out that Sandy was also registered in his room. This revelation explained why Wes had been quick to leave their marriage and why Sandy had been feeding Dawn information about Wes's infidelity.
What was the outcome of Wes's legal troubles with the FBI and SEC?
Wes agreed to a plea deal with the FBI, admitting to misappropriating $2 million and running a fraudulent oil and gas company. He was awaiting sentencing and faced 5 to 7 years in prison. However, he killed himself the day before he was supposed to turn himself in. The government seized much of his and Dawn's assets, leaving her to fight for what little was left.
How did Dawn cope with the aftermath of Wes's betrayal and legal issues?
Dawn coped by focusing on her daughters and rebuilding her life. She started a new career, found love again with an honest and supportive partner, and took accountability for her past actions. She also found healing in being honest about her experiences and sharing her story to help others who have gone through similar betrayals.
What was the most difficult part of Dawn's experience with Wes?
The most difficult part for Dawn was the betrayal to herself. She reflected on how she allowed herself to be manipulated and lied to for 10 years, and how her children were affected by the turmoil. She struggled with the guilt of her actions and the impact on her family, but ultimately found strength in rebuilding her life and moving forward.
- Dawn and Wes's relationship began as an affair.
- They achieved a luxurious lifestyle, marked by country club memberships and lavish spending.
- Wes's career success and their extravagant lifestyle masked his deceit and betrayals.