Chapter 9: The Last Dinner Before the Truth
On Saturday morning, Daniel did something I hadn't expected.
He apologized.
Not by text.
Not through Patricia.
He sent flowers.
A massive arrangement of white roses arrived at Rachel's front door, accompanied by a handwritten card.
**Claire, I know we've both made mistakes. Six years of marriage deserve more than anger.
He sent flowers.
A massive arrangement of white roses arrived at Rachel's front door, accompanied by a handwritten card.
**Claire, I know we've both made mistakes. Six years of marriage deserve more than anger. Please meet me tonight. Just you and me.
No lawyers. No family. We need to remember why we fell in love. Love, Daniel.**
Rachel read the card twice. Please meet me tonight. Just you and me. No lawyers.
No family. We need to remember why we fell in love. Love, Daniel.**
Rachel read the card twice.
Then she looked at the flowers.
“Is this supposed to be romantic?””
I shrugged.
“Apparently.””
She dropped the card onto the kitchen counter.
“It's a little.
Then she looked at the flowers.
“Is this supposed to be romantic?””
I shrugged.
“Apparently.””
She dropped the card onto the kitchen counter.
“It's a little late for roses.””
I couldn't disagree.
Still, there was something unsettling about the timing.
Daniel had spent days threatening me.
Now he was suddenly apologetic.
He wanted a private meeting.
He wanted no lawyers.
And he late for roses.””
I couldn't disagree.
Still, there was something unsettling about the timing.
Daniel had spent days threatening me.
Now he was suddenly apologetic.
He wanted a private meeting.
He wanted no lawyers.
And he had specifically asked me to remember our marriage.
I called Laura.
She listened carefully.
“Do you want to meet him?””
“I want to know what he's planning had specifically asked me to remember our marriage.
I called Laura.
She listened carefully.
“Do you want to meet him?””
“I want to know what he's planning.””
“Then don't meet him alone. If you choose to communicate, keep it documented and don't sign anything.””
I nodded.
After the call, I sent Daniel a message.
**I'll meet you in a public place. No documents. No financial.””
“Then don't meet him alone. If you choose to communicate, keep it documented and don't sign anything.””
I nodded.
After the call, I sent Daniel a message.
*I'll meet you in a public place. No documents. No financial discussions without my attorney.*
His reply was immediate.
*Agreed.*
We chose a restaurant near downtown Nashville.
I told Rachel where I was going and arranged for her to remain nearby.
At 7:00 p.m., Daniel was already seated when I arrived discussions without my attorney.**
His reply was immediate.
*Agreed.*
We chose a restaurant near downtown Nashville.
I told Rachel where I was going and arranged for her to remain nearby.
At 7:00 p.m., Daniel was already seated when I arrived.
He stood.
For a second, I saw the man I had married.
The same dark hair.
The same familiar smile.
The same expensive watch I had bought him for our fifth anniversary.
Then he pulled out my chair.
“.
He stood.
For a second, I saw the man I had married.
The same dark hair.
The same familiar smile.
The same expensive watch I had bought him for our fifth anniversary.
Then he pulled out my chair.
“Claire.””
“Daniel.””
He looked at me carefully.
“You look tired.””
“I am.””
He ordered a glass of wine for himself and sparkling water for me.
When the waiterClaire.””
“Daniel.””
He looked at me carefully.
“You look tired.””
“I am.””
He ordered a glass of wine for himself and sparkling water for me.
When the waiter left, he reached across the table.
I kept my hands in my lap.
He withdrew his hand.
“I'm sorry,” he said.
I waited.
“I know things have become ugly.””
“That's one way to describe them.””
He left, he reached across the table.
I kept my hands in my lap.
He withdrew his hand.
“I'm sorry,” he said.
I waited.
“I know things have become ugly.””
“That's one way to describe them.””
He sighed.
“Can we please have one conversation without attacking each other?””
I looked at him.
“Then tell me the truth.””
He nodded.
“About what sighed.
“Can we please have one conversation without attacking each other?””
I looked at him.
“Then tell me the truth.””
He nodded.
“About what?””
“The house.””
“It's our house.””
“My name is on the deed.””
“We bought it together emotionally.””
I almost laughed.
“That's not how property ownership works.””
His jaw tightened.
“See? This is what I mean. Everything becomes legal with you.””
I took a sip of water.
“Daniel,?””
“The house.””
“It's our house.””
“My name is on the deed.””
“We bought it together emotionally.””
I almost laughed.
“That's not how property ownership works.””
His jaw tightened.
“See? This is what I mean. Everything becomes legal with you.””
I took a sip of water.
“Daniel, you submitted a loan guarantee with my name.””
He leaned back.
“I was arranging financing.””
“You submitted a document claiming I agreed to owe $620,000.””
you submitted a loan guarantee with my name.””
He leaned back.
“I was arranging financing.””
“You submitted a document claiming I agreed to owe $620,000.””
“I never intended for you to pay that.””
“Then whose name should have been on it?””
He didn't answer.
I leaned forward.
“Did you forge my signature?””
He rubbed his forehead.
“Claire, I used the signature you had previously provided for company paperwork.””
““I never intended for you to pay that.””
“Then whose name should have been on it?””
He didn't answer.
I leaned forward.
“Did you forge my signature?””
He rubbed his forehead.
“Claire, I used the signature you had previously provided for company paperwork.””
“Without asking me?””
“You were my wife.””
“That's not permission.””
He looked toward the restaurant entrance.
Then he loweredWithout asking me?””
“You were my wife.””
“That's not permission.””
He looked toward the restaurant entrance.
Then he lowered his voice.
“Fine. Maybe I should have discussed it with you.””
“Maybe?””
He exhaled.
“I was under pressure.””
“From whom?””
“My his voice.
“Fine. Maybe I should have discussed it with you.””
“Maybe?””
He exhaled.
“I was under pressure.””
“From whom?””
“My family.””
I stared at him.
“Your family ordered expensive wine at your father's birthday dinner. That isn't pressure. That's a lifestyle.””
His face darkened.
“Don't talk about them like that.””
family.””
I stared at him.
“Your family ordered expensive wine at your father's birthday dinner. That isn't pressure. That's a lifestyle.””
His face darkened.
“Don't talk about them like that.””
I almost smiled.
There it was.
Even now.
Even after everything.
His first instinct was to defend them.
NotI almost smiled.
There it was.
Even now.
Even after everything.
His first instinct was to defend them.
Not me.
Not our marriage.
Not the house.
I folded my napkin.
“Why did you want to transfer my property to Vanessa?””
He looked down.
“She was having problems.””
“Then you should have helped her with your own money.””
“I didn't have enough.””
“So you me.
Not our marriage.
Not the house.
I folded my napkin.
“Why did you want to transfer my property to Vanessa?””
He looked down.
“She was having problems.””
“Then you should have helped her with your own money.””
“I didn't have enough.””
“So you decided to use mine.””
“It's temporary.””
“You keep using that word.””
He rubbed his jaw.
“Claire, I can fix this.””
“How decided to use mine.””
“It's temporary.””
“You keep using that word.””
He rubbed his jaw.
“Claire, I can fix this.””
“How?””
“I'll arrange the paperwork properly. We'll restructure Northbridge. You'll be listed as an owner, and Vanessa will get a percentage.””
I stared.
“You want me?””
“I'll arrange the paperwork properly. We'll restructure Northbridge. You'll be listed as an owner, and Vanessa will get a percentage.””
I stared.
“You want me to become a shareholder in a company with a $620,000 loan I never authorized?””
He blinked.
“You're focusing on the wrong thing.””
“What is the right thing?””
“Family.””
I laughed quietly.
“Daniel, your sister knew about the loan. Your mother witnessed a to become a shareholder in a company with a $620,000 loan I never authorized?””
He blinked.
“You're focusing on the wrong thing.””
“What is the right thing?””
“Family.””
I laughed quietly.
“Daniel, your sister knew about the loan. Your mother witnessed a document she never saw me sign. Your father lost seventy-five thousand dollars. And you used my identity to establish a company.””
He leaned forward.
“Keep your voice down.””
“No.””
“People are listening.””
“Then perhaps you document she never saw me sign. Your father lost seventy-five thousand dollars. And you used my identity to establish a company.””
He leaned forward.
“Keep your voice down.””
“No.””
“People are listening.””
“Then perhaps you should have thought about that before involving twenty-two relatives in your financial plans.””
His face turned red.
He looked around.
Then he lowered his voice again.
“I have an offer.””
I waited.
“You sign should have thought about that before involving twenty-two relatives in your financial plans.””
His face turned red.
He looked around.
Then he lowered his voice again.
“I have an offer.””
I waited.
“You sign the asset transfer agreement, and I give you $100,000.””
I stared at him.
“From where?””
“From the company.””
“Which company?””
“Northbridge.””
“The company that supposedly owes $620,000?””
He looked the asset transfer agreement, and I give you $100,000.””
I stared at him.
“From where?””
“From the company.””
“Which company?””
“Northbridge.””
“The company that supposedly owes $620,000?””
He looked irritated.
“Not all of that debt is due immediately.””
I shook my head.
“You're offering me money that may already belong to a lender.””
“It's an investment.””
“No.””
He leaned forward.
“ irritated.
“Not all of that debt is due immediately.””
I shook my head.
“You're offering me money that may already belong to a lender.””
“It's an investment.””
“No.””
He leaned forward.
“Claire, listen. You walk away with a hundred thousand dollars. You keep your business.
I take responsibility for the company. Vanessa gets the property. Everyone moves on.””
“And the house?””
“We sell it later.””
I stared at him.
Claire, listen. You walk away with a hundred thousand dollars. You keep your business.
I take responsibility for the company. Vanessa gets the property. Everyone moves on.””
“And the house?””
“We sell it later.””
I stared at him.
“You want me to transfer my house, accept a hundred thousand dollars from a company carrying hundreds of thousands in debt, and trust you to sell the property later?””
He spread his hands.
“When you put it like that, it sounds unreasonable.””
“Because it“You want me to transfer my house, accept a hundred thousand dollars from a company carrying hundreds of thousands in debt, and trust you to sell the property later?””
He spread his hands.
“When you put it like that, it sounds unreasonable.””
“Because it is.””
His expression changed.
The warmth disappeared.
“Fine.””
He sat back.
“Then I'll tell you something you may not like.””
I waited.
“You aren't the only person who has something to lose.””
I looked directly is.””
His expression changed.
The warmth disappeared.
“Fine.””
He sat back.
“Then I'll tell you something you may not like.””
I waited.
“You aren't the only person who has something to lose.””
I looked directly at him.
“Are you threatening me?””
“No. I'm explaining reality.””
He pulled a folded document from his jacket.
I recognized the title.
*Divorce Petition — Draft.*
He placed it on the table.
“I've at him.
“Are you threatening me?””
“No. I'm explaining reality.””
He pulled a folded document from his jacket.
I recognized the title.
*Divorce Petition — Draft.*
He placed it on the table.
“I've already spoken to an attorney.””
I didn't touch it.
“Congratulations.””
His eyebrows rose.
“That's all you have to say?””
“What did you expect?””
“I already spoken to an attorney.””
I didn't touch it.
“Congratulations.””
His eyebrows rose.
“That's all you have to say?””
“What did you expect?””
“I expected you to fight for your marriage.””
I looked at him for a long moment.
“Daniel, you were the one who turned our marriage into a financial transaction.””
He shook his head.
“You've changed.””
“Yes.””
For the first time, I meant it.
He expected you to fight for your marriage.””
I looked at him for a long moment.
“Daniel, you were the one who turned our marriage into a financial transaction.””
He shook his head.
“You've changed.””
“Yes.””
For the first time, I meant it.
He pushed the document toward me.
“Sign the settlement, Claire. We can end this quietly.””
I glanced at the first page.
The proposed division of assets gave Daniel ownership of the marital residence and Northbridge.
I would receive $100,000 and pushed the document toward me.
“Sign the settlement, Claire. We can end this quietly.””
I glanced at the first page.
The proposed division of assets gave Daniel ownership of the marital residence and Northbridge.
I would receive $100,000 and agree to release any claims against the company.
There was also a clause stating that I accepted responsibility for any undisclosed financial obligations associated with my previous business involvement.
I looked up.
“You want me to accept unknown debts?””
“It's standard language.””
agree to release any claims against the company.
There was also a clause stating that I accepted responsibility for any undisclosed financial obligations associated with my previous business involvement.
I looked up.
“You want me to accept unknown debts?””
“It's standard language.””
“No, it isn't.””
He sighed.
“You really don't trust me anymore.””
I stood.
“No.””
His face changed.
“Claire, sit down.””
“No.””
“Don't walk away.””
“I've been sitting at your table for six years“No, it isn't.””
He sighed.
“You really don't trust me anymore.””
I stood.
“No.””
His face changed.
“Claire, sit down.””
“No.””
“Don't walk away.””
“I've been sitting at your table for six years, Daniel. I'm finished.””
I picked up my handbag.
He reached for my wrist.
I stepped back.
“Don't touch me.””
He released me.
Then he said something quietly.
“Your father-in-law won't protect you forever.””
I stared, Daniel. I'm finished.””
I picked up my handbag.
He reached for my wrist.
I stepped back.
“Don't touch me.””
He released me.
Then he said something quietly.
“Your father-in-law won't protect you forever.””
I stared at him.
“I don't need him to.””
I turned and walked toward the exit.
Rachel was waiting near the bar.
She saw my expression and immediately stood.
“What happened?””
“He at him.
“I don't need him to.””
I turned and walked toward the exit.
Rachel was waiting near the bar.
She saw my expression and immediately stood.
“What happened?””
“He offered me a hundred thousand dollars to sign away everything.””
She shook her head.
“Of course he did.””
We walked outside.
My phone vibrated.
A message from Michael.
**Claire, please offered me a hundred thousand dollars to sign away everything.””
She shook her head.
“Of course he did.””
We walked outside.
My phone vibrated.
A message from Michael.
*Claire, please call me immediately. We received new information about Northbridge.*
I stopped beneath the restaurant's awning.
“What happened?”” I typed.
His response arrived.
*David call me immediately. We received new information about Northbridge.*
I stopped beneath the restaurant's awning.
“What happened?”” I typed.
His response arrived.
**David Collins has identified a second set of company accounts. Several transfers were made to a private account controlled by Daniel. The total is substantially Collins has identified a second set of company accounts.
Several transfers were made to a private account controlled by Daniel. The total is substantially higher than previously estimated.**
I called him.
“How much?””
“Approximately $430,000.””
I closed my eyes.
“Where did it come from?””
higher than previously estimated.**
I called him.
“How much?””
“Approximately $430,000.””
I closed my eyes.
“Where did it come from?””
“Some of the money originated from Northbridge. Some came from accounts connected to your joint finances.””
I looked at Rachel.
She could tell something was wrong.
“Michael, is the trust money included?””
“Not in that total.””
I felt sick.
“So there's more?””
“Yes.””
I pressed my fingers against my forehead“Some of the money originated from Northbridge. Some came from accounts connected to your joint finances.””
I looked at Rachel.
She could tell something was wrong.
“Michael, is the trust money included?””
“Not in that total.””
I felt sick.
“So there's more?””
“Yes.””
I pressed my fingers against my forehead.
Then Michael said:
“There's another development. Daniel has filed an emergency request concerning the marital property.””
My heart began pounding.
“What kind of request?””
“He claims that the property was purchased through funds contributed by his family and that he.
Then Michael said:
“There's another development. Daniel has filed an emergency request concerning the marital property.””
My heart began pounding.
“What kind of request?””
“He claims that the property was purchased through funds contributed by his family and that he should have authority to manage it pending divorce proceedings.””
I laughed in disbelief.
“His family contributed nothing to the down payment.””
“I know. We've submitted the deed and your payment records.””
“What happens now?””
“The court will consider the evidence. We have also requested that the disputed documents be preserved.””
I ended the call.
Rachel put a hand on my shoulder.
“Let's get you somewhere safe.””
I should have authority to manage it pending divorce proceedings.””
I laughed in disbelief.
“His family contributed nothing to the down payment.””
“I know. We've submitted the deed and your payment records.””
“What happens now?””
“The court will consider the evidence. We have also requested that the disputed documents be preserved.””
I ended the call.
Rachel put a hand on my shoulder.
“Let's get you somewhere safe.””
I nodded.
But before we reached the car, another message arrived.
This one was from Patricia.
*Claire, please don't make Daniel do something he can't undo. He's still my son.*
I stared at the screen.
I typed:
**And I nodded.
But before we reached the car, another message arrived.
This one was from Patricia.
*Claire, please don't make Daniel do something he can't undo. He's still my son.*
I stared at the screen.
I typed:
*And I was your daughter-in-law. Did that ever mean anything to you?*
I didn't receive an answer.
At 10:36 p.m., I was sitting in Rachel's living was your daughter-in-law. Did that ever mean anything to you?**
I didn't receive an answer.
At 10:36 p.m., I was sitting in Rachel's living room when Robert called.
His voice sounded different.
Strained.
“Claire, are you alone?””
“Rachel is here.””
“Good. I need to tell you something.””
“What happened?””
“Daniel came to my house tonight.””
My stomach tightened.
“Why?””
“He room when Robert called.
His voice sounded different.
Strained.
“Claire, are you alone?””
“Rachel is here.””
“Good. I need to tell you something.””
“What happened?””
“Daniel came to my house tonight.””
My stomach tightened.
“Why?””
“He wanted me to withdraw my statement about the trust.””
“Did you?””
“Of course not.””
I breathed out.
“Thank you.””
Robert paused.
“Claire, he was furious. He said I had ruined his life.””
I wanted me to withdraw my statement about the trust.””
“Did you?””
“Of course not.””
I breathed out.
“Thank you.””
Robert paused.
“Claire, he was furious. He said I had ruined his life.””
I closed my eyes.
“I'm sorry.””
“Don't apologize. I should have listened to you sooner.””
Then Robert lowered his voice.
“He also told me something.””
“What?””
“He said Vanessa has the original documents.””
I sat upright.
“What original closed my eyes.
“I'm sorry.””
“Don't apologize. I should have listened to you sooner.””
Then Robert lowered his voice.
“He also told me something.””
“What?””
“He said Vanessa has the original documents.””
I sat upright.
“What original documents?””
“The ones connected to the property transfer and the company.””
“Where?””
“He wouldn't tell me.””
I gripped the phone.
“Robert, why would he give Vanessa those documents?””
“Because he believes she's documents?””
“The ones connected to the property transfer and the company.””
“Where?””
“He wouldn't tell me.””
I gripped the phone.
“Robert, why would he give Vanessa those documents?””
“Because he believes she's the only person who can still make this work.””
I thought about Mark's emails.
The scheduled transfer.
The fake power of attorney.
Then I remembered something.
Vanessa had mentioned that Daniel promised to the only person who can still make this work.””
I thought about Mark's emails.
The scheduled transfer.
The fake power of attorney.
Then I remembered something.
Vanessa had mentioned that Daniel promised to give her a document that would make everything disappear.
“Robert, did Daniel say anything about Monday?””
“Yes.””
“What?””
“He said Monday would settle give her a document that would make everything disappear.
“Robert, did Daniel say anything about Monday?””
“Yes.””
“What?””
“He said Monday would settle everything.””
I looked at the calendar.
Sunday was tomorrow.
Monday was less than forty-eight hours away.
Then Robert added:
“Claire, I think he's planning to move the remaining money before the bank can freeze anything everything.””
I looked at the calendar.
Sunday was tomorrow.
Monday was less than forty-eight hours away.
Then Robert added:
“Claire, I think he's planning to move the remaining money before the bank can freeze anything.””
I immediately called Laura.
She answered on the second ring.
I explained what Robert had said.
She became very serious.
“We need to act on the information we have. I'll contact the relevant institutions first thing in the morning and ask them to review.””
I immediately called Laura.
She answered on the second ring.
I explained what Robert had said.
She became very serious.
“We need to act on the information we have. I'll contact the relevant institutions first thing in the morning and ask them to review any pending transactions.””
“Can we stop him?””
“We'll do everything legally available. But I need you to understand something. We cannot assume every account is accessible or that every transfer can be reversed.””
I nodded.
“Understood.””
After the call, Rachel brought me a blanket any pending transactions.””
“Can we stop him?””
“We'll do everything legally available. But I need you to understand something. We cannot assume every account is accessible or that every transfer can be reversed.””
I nodded.
“Understood.””
After the call, Rachel brought me a blanket.
“You need to sleep.””
“I can't.””
“Then at least lie down.””
I went into the guest room.
At 11:51 p.m., my phone lit up again.
A message from Vanessa.
**I have the original documents.
“You need to sleep.””
“I can't.””
“Then at least lie down.””
I went into the guest room.
At 11:51 p.m., my phone lit up again.
A message from Vanessa.
*I have the original documents. If you want to know what Daniel really planned, meet me tomorrow at 11. Come alone.*
I stared at the screen.
Then another message arrived.
*And Claire? Don't tell Mark. He doesn't know everything.*
I immediately forwarded the messages to Laura.
Her reply came a minute later.
*Do not meet her alone. If you choose to meet. If you want to know what Daniel really planned, meet me tomorrow at 11. Come alone.*
I stared at the screen.
Then another message arrived.
*And Claire? Don't tell Mark. He doesn't know everything.*
I immediately forwarded the messages to Laura.
Her reply came a minute later.
*Do not meet her alone. If you choose to meet, we will arrange a safe, documented setting.*
I typed back to Vanessa.
*Why should I believe you?*
Her, we will arrange a safe, documented setting.**
I typed back to Vanessa.
*Why should I believe you?*
Her answer was unexpected.
*Because Daniel is planning to leave both of us with nothing.*
I stared at those words.
For years, Vanessa had been the person who benefited most from Daniel's generosity.
She had received money.
answer was unexpected.
*Because Daniel is planning to leave both of us with nothing.*
I stared at those words.
For years, Vanessa had been the person who benefited most from Daniel's generosity.
She had received money.
Expensive gifts.
Help with her mortgage.
And apparently a house purchased with money that wasn't theirs.
Now she was warning me.
I typed one final question.
*What did you find?*
Her reply appeared immediately.
**Expensive gifts.
Help with her mortgage.
And apparently a house purchased with money that wasn't theirs.
Now she was warning me.
I typed one final question.
*What did you find?*
Her reply appeared immediately.
*A document proving that Daniel never intended to give me the house either. He planned to put everything under his own name after the divorce.*
I sat upright.
Then she sent a photograph.
It was a draft ownership agreement for Northbridge Property Holdings.
Daniel was listed as theA document proving that Daniel never intended to give me the house either. He planned to put everything under his own name after the divorce.**
I sat upright.
Then she sent a photograph.
It was a draft ownership agreement for Northbridge Property Holdings.
Daniel was listed as the sole controlling shareholder.
Vanessa had no ownership rights.
Neither did I.
But the most disturbing part was the final paragraph.
It stated that Daniel intended to transfer the company's remaining assets to a new entity after the divorce proceedings began.
The new company had sole controlling shareholder.
Vanessa had no ownership rights.
Neither did I.
But the most disturbing part was the final paragraph.
It stated that Daniel intended to transfer the company's remaining assets to a new entity after the divorce proceedings began.
The new company had a name I had never seen before.
*Harrison Legacy Group.*
And the registered owner was not Daniel.
It was a name I had never seen before.
*Harrison Legacy Group.*
And the registered owner was not Daniel.
It was Patricia Harrison.
I stared at the photograph.
Then I noticed the date.
The document had been prepared three months earlier.
Before the birthday dinner.
Before I discovered the family group chat.
Before my husband knew I was questioning anything.
Daniel hadn't merely planned to take my house.
He had planned to abandon his sister, his wife Patricia Harrison.
I stared at the photograph.
Then I noticed the date.
The document had been prepared three months earlier.
Before the birthday dinner.
Before I discovered the family group chat.
Before my husband knew I was questioning anything.
Daniel hadn't merely planned to take my house.
He had planned to abandon his sister, his wife, and possibly his father, while keeping the money for himself.
I called Laura again.
She answered sleepily.
“Claire?””
“I'm sending you something.””
I forwarded the photograph.
She opened it.
I, and possibly his father, while keeping the money for himself.
I called Laura again.
She answered sleepily.
“Claire?””
“I'm sending you something.””
I forwarded the photograph.
She opened it.
I heard her inhale sharply.
“Where did you get this?””
“Vanessa.””
“Has she agreed to provide the original?””
“Not yet.””
“Then we need to arrange heard her inhale sharply.
“Where did you get this?””
“Vanessa.””
“Has she agreed to provide the original?””
“Not yet.””
“Then we need to arrange that carefully.””
I looked at the photograph again.
“Laura?””
“Yes?””
“What happens if this document is real?””
She paused.
“Then it could significantly change the picture of what Daniel was doing.””
I swallowed.
“I that carefully.””
I looked at the photograph again.
“Laura?””
“Yes?””
“What happens if this document is real?””
She paused.
“Then it could significantly change the picture of what Daniel was doing.””
I swallowed.
“I think Vanessa is finally scared.””
“Perhaps. But don't confuse fear with honesty. We need evidence.””
I understood.
I placed my phone on the bedside table.
At 12:14 a.m., another message arrived from Vanessa.
**Tomorrow, I'll show you everything. think Vanessa is finally scared.””
“Perhaps. But don't confuse fear with honesty. We need evidence.””
I understood.
I placed my phone on the bedside table.
At 12:14 a.m., another message arrived from Vanessa.
*Tomorrow, I'll show you everything. But you need to promise me one thing.*
I typed:
*What?*
Her response came after nearly a minute.
*Don't let Daniel know I told you. Because if he finds out, he'll destroy the only evidence But you need to promise me one thing.*
I typed:
*What?*
Her response came after nearly a minute.
*Don't let Daniel know I told you. Because if he finds out, he'll destroy the only evidence that can put him away.*
I stared at the screen.
Then I read the sentence again.
The only evidence.
What did Vanessa have?
And why was she suddenly more afraid of her brother than of losing the money?
I didn't sleep that can put him away.**
I stared at the screen.
Then I read the sentence again.
The only evidence.
What did Vanessa have?
And why was she suddenly more afraid of her brother than of losing the money?
I didn't sleep for the rest of the night.
Because Sunday morning was no longer about another family argument.
It was about discovering what Daniel had hidden before Monday arrived.
And this time, even Vanessa might finally be ready to tell the truth. for the rest of the night.
Because Sunday morning was no longer about another family argument.
May you like
It was about discovering what Daniel had hidden before Monday arrived.
And this time, even Vanessa might finally be ready to tell the truth.
