Chapter 9 - Vanessa Finally Admits the Setup
Vanessa requested a private meeting with Daniel.
He refused to meet without counsel.
She arrived without Margaret.
For the first time, she looked frightened rather than furious.
“I didn’t know about the sale price.”
Daniel said nothing.
“I knew Mom wanted Emily out of the picture.”
“Why?”
“She said your father’s daughter could challenge the proxy.”
“So you planted a bracelet on her.”
Vanessa looked down.
“I was going to accuse her after the reception.”
Daniel stared.
“The slap?”
“She wouldn’t pick up the tray.”
“You hit her because she wouldn’t kneel for you.”
Vanessa’s eyes filled.
“I was angry.”
Daniel’s voice stayed calm.
“You were cruel before you were afraid.”
That landed harder than shouting.
Vanessa claimed Margaret designed the plan.
She said Tyler—no, there was no Tyler here. There was only Vanessa,
Margaret, and the people who chose to help them.
Daniel did not let her spread blame into empty space.
“You knew enough.”
Vanessa whispered:
May you like
“Yes.”
That was the first honest thing she had said since the wedding ended.
