Chapter 8 - DANIEL’S DECISION
At eight thirty that morning, Daniel gathered everyone in the formal dining room.
His attorney had arrived.
So had the company’s CFO.
Two representatives from the security firm waited near the door.
Vanessa entered last.
She had changed out of the black designer dress.
Now she wore a cream sweater and simple trousers.
The transformation looked intentional.
Less glamorous.
Less threatening.
More innocent.
Daniel noticed.
“Sit down.”
Vanessa did.
Daniel placed a folder in front of her.
She did not open it.
“You should call your attorney.”
“I don’t need one.”
Daniel’s expression did not change.
“That is your decision.”
Margaret shifted in her chair.
Daniel addressed the room.
“As of this morning, all family foundation accounts requiring my mother’s authorization have been frozen.”
Margaret closed her eyes.
“All voting shares connected to the disputed documents are restricted pending review.”
Vanessa said nothing.
Daniel continued.
“The engagement announcement is canceled.”
Vanessa finally looked up.
Margaret whispered.
“Daniel.”
He ignored her.
“Vanessa will leave the property.”
Vanessa’s voice became sharp.
“You can’t throw me out because of one stupid necklace.”
Emily looked at her.
One stupid necklace.
As if the public humiliation had been nothing.
Daniel opened the folder.
“No.”
“I’m removing you because of the necklace, the forged trust document, the stolen foundation money, the deleted footage, the bribed security employee, the misuse of Emily’s identification, and the attempted transfer of company assets.”
Vanessa’s face tightened.
“You can’t prove all of that.”
Daniel turned the laptop toward her.
Evan’s recordings filled the screen.
Vanessa stared.
“You kept copies?”
Evan stood near the doorway.
He said nothing.
Vanessa looked at him with pure fury.
Then she looked at Margaret.
“You promised me he deleted them.”
Margaret snapped.
“I did what you told me.”
Daniel leaned forward.
“That sentence was recorded too.”
Margaret went silent.
Vanessa suddenly laughed.
It was a small, strained sound.
“You think Emily is innocent?”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed.
Vanessa looked directly at Emily.
“Ask her why she really came to work here.”
The room changed.
Emily stiffened.
Daniel turned.
“What does she mean?”
May you like
Vanessa smiled for the first time all morning.
“I’m not the only person in this house with secrets.”
