Chapter 7 - VANESSA DISCOVERED HER FATHER HAD USED HER TOOVanessa came to my office four days later.
Without makeup.
Without lawyer at first.
I told her to call one.
She did.
Then we spoke.
She had found emails.
Malcolm to his CFO:
Vanessa’s engagement gives us proximity. Don’t waste it.
Another:
Once Adrian is locked in, Delaney access becomes family access.
Locked in.
I stared.
Vanessa started crying.
“My father talked about me like an acquisition.”
Yes.
Then another email:
Catherine is the real obstacle. Adrian is sentimental but persuadable.
My jaw tightened.
Malcolm had studied us.
He believed Mom controlled capital.
Correct.
He believed I could be influenced through Vanessa.
Maybe.
Then:
If Catherine steps back, Adrian can normalize Hart relationship quickly.
That was why the event logo mattered.
Create visible association.
Make partnership feel established before official approval.
Social proof first.
Paperwork later.
Vanessa looked at me.
“I didn’t know about the wire.”
I believed she might be telling the truth.
“But you knew your father wanted access.”
“Yes.”
“And you helped him create the appearance of a partnership.”
“Yes.”
“That matters.”
“I know.”
Good.
Then she whispered:
“I think he wanted us married before the refinancing deadline.”
That fit.
Vanessa had been pushing hard for an engagement.
Venue tours.
Ring discussions.
Guest lists.
I thought she was excited.
Maybe she was.
Her father had also given her a deadline.
Again.
Real emotion mixed with external pressure.
May you like
Ugly.
Complicated.
Related Stories
