Chapter 11 - THE BABY SHOWER TRAPDespite the boardroom disaster, Vanessa refused to cancel the baby shower.
She claimed canceling would make her appear guilty.
Damian supported the decision.
Public sympathy was their final protection.
If Vanessa could convince the press that the Cole family was bullying a pregnant woman, the board might hesitate to act.
The event was scheduled at the Whitmore Hotel.
Three hundred guests had been invited.
A stage had been built beneath a ceiling of white roses.
A giant screen displayed the words, “Welcome, Baby Cole.”
Vanessa planned to announce the child’s gender during a live broadcast.
Ethan believed the event offered their best opportunity.
Vanessa would be surrounded by witnesses.
She could not quietly disappear.
Caroline objected to turning the investigation into entertainment.
Ethan agreed.
But Melissa explained that they needed Vanessa to make a verifiable public claim.
If she repeated the pregnancy story while knowing it was false, the statement could strengthen the fraud case.
Nathan contacted an independent physician and arranged for a portable ultrasound unit to be brought to the hotel.
The doctor would not examine Vanessa without consent.
But refusing publicly would expose another crack in her story.
On the morning of the shower, Vanessa arrived in a pearl-white limousine.
Reporters photographed her as she stepped onto the carpet.
Her stomach appeared slightly larger than before.
She had finally changed the prosthetic.
Ethan noticed that she moved more carefully.
The new belly was heavier.
A narrow silver fastening point was visible near the side seam of her dress.
One small pin held the support strap beneath the fabric.
It looked almost identical to the pin Ethan had found.
Inside the ballroom, Vanessa greeted guests with practiced warmth.
She allowed photographs but avoided embraces.
Damian remained close to the stage.
Nathan entered through a side door.
The crowd became quiet when they saw him.
Vanessa smiled as though they were still united.
“Nathan,” she said.
He did not approach her.
“I brought someone.”
The independent physician entered with two medical technicians.
A portable ultrasound machine rolled behind them.
Vanessa’s smile froze.
Nathan faced the guests.
“For weeks, questions have surrounded this pregnancy.”
Damian moved toward the control booth.
Ethan signaled hotel security to block him.
Nathan continued.
“To protect Vanessa and the child she says is mine, I am asking for a simple medical examination.”
Vanessa stepped back.
“You promised today would be about our baby.”
“If there is a baby, the examination will prove it.”
The room became completely silent.
Vanessa looked toward the nearest exit.
Security officers stood in front of it.
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She pressed one hand against the fastening pin hidden beneath her dress.
Then she made her final mistake.
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