Chapter 9: The Recording## Chapter 9: The Recording That Could Destroy Them All That Could Destroy Them All
“Vanessa, give me the recording.””
Ty
“Vanessa, give me the recording.””
Tyler's voice came through the darkness.
I tightened my grip around the USB drive.
Michael stood between usler's voice came through the darkness.
I tightened my grip around the USB drive.
Michael stood between us and the doorway.
“Take another step and you'll regret it,” he said.
Tyler laughed and the doorway.
“Take another step and you'll regret it,” he said.
Tyler laughed.
“Still playing the hero, Michael?””
“I'd rather be that than a thief.
“Still playing the hero, Michael?””
“I'd rather be that than a thief.””
The words struck a nerve.
Tyler stepped into the doorway.
He wasn't alone.
.””
The words struck a nerve.
Tyler stepped into the doorway.
He wasn't alone.
Daniel stood behind him, holding a flashlight.
My uncle looked at the roomDaniel stood behind him, holding a flashlight.
My uncle looked at the room, then at the open metal box.
His eyes immediately settled on the USB drive in my, then at the open metal box.
His eyes immediately settled on the USB drive in my hand.
“There it is,” he said.
I stared at him.
“You came here to steal from hand.
“There it is,” he said.
I stared at him.
“You came here to steal from my father?””
Daniel sighed.
“Vanessa, you have no idea how much trouble that little my father?””
Daniel sighed.
“Vanessa, you have no idea how much trouble that little device is going to cause.””
“Then perhaps device is going to cause.””
“Then perhaps you should have left it alone.””
His expression hardened you should have left it alone.””
His expression hardened.
“Your father was a stubborn man. He made.
“Your father was a stubborn man. He made decisions without understanding the consequences.””
“He protected his daughter.””
“He protected his decisions without understanding the consequences.””
“He protected his daughter.””
“He protected his money.””
I shook my head.
“No. He protected his family.””
Daniel took money.””
I shook my head.
“No. He protected his family.””
Daniel took another step.
Michael raised his hand.
“ another step.
Michael raised his hand.
“Stay where you are.””
Daniel ignored him.
“Give me the drive, Vanessa.””
“No.””
“Don'tStay where you are.””
Daniel ignored him.
“Give me the drive, Vanessa.””
“No.””
“Don't make this difficult.””
I looked at him.
“You threatened my children.””
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
“Your make this difficult.””
I looked at him.
“You threatened my children.””
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
“Your children have nothing to do with this.””
“They're named in the trust.””
For the first time, he children have nothing to do with this.””
“They're named in the trust.””
For the first time, he looked uncomfortable.
Then he turned toward Tyler.
“You said she didn't know.””
Tyler looked uncomfortable.
Then he turned toward Tyler.
“You said she didn't know.””
Tyler looked furious.
“She wasn't supposed to.””
I stared at my husband.
“That's what looked furious.
“She wasn't supposed to.””
I stared at my husband.
“That's what this was always about, wasn't it?””
Tyler didn't answer.
“You married me to this was always about, wasn't it?””
Tyler didn't answer.
“You married me to get to the company.””
He looked away.
“Vanessa, I did love you.””
I laughed bitterly.
“You loved get to the company.””
He looked away.
“Vanessa, I did love you.””
I laughed bitterly.
“You loved the company.””
“I can explain.””
“Then explain why you discussed taking my daughters' inheritance before the company.””
“I can explain.””
“Then explain why you discussed taking my daughters' inheritance before they were even born.””
His face tightened.
Daniel interrupted.
“Enough. We don't have time for this.””
He they were even born.””
His face tightened.
Daniel interrupted.
“Enough. We don't have time for this.””
He reached into his jacket.
Michael moved immediately.
“Don't.””
Daniel stopped.
For a moment, the room was reached into his jacket.
Michael moved immediately.
“Don't.””
Daniel stopped.
For a moment, the room was completely silent.
Then a voice came from behind completely silent.
Then a voice came from behind us.
“Step away from the table.””
Security.
Two officers entered through the rear door.
Daniel us.
“Step away from the table.””
Security.
Two officers entered through the rear door.
Daniel turned.
Tyler tried to move turned.
Tyler tried to move toward the hallway, but another officer blocked his path.
“Sir, keep your hands visible.””
toward the hallway, but another officer blocked his path.
“Sir, keep your hands visible.””
Tyler stared at me.
“Vanessa, tell them this is a misunderstanding.””
I didn't move.
Daniel lookedTyler stared at me.
“Vanessa, tell them this is a misunderstanding.””
I didn't move.
Daniel looked at Michael.
“You've made a serious mistake.””
Michael calmly replied.
“No. I made a decision.””
at Michael.
“You've made a serious mistake.””
Michael calmly replied.
“No. I made a decision.””
The officers separated them.
I held the USB drive againstThe officers separated them.
I held the USB drive against my chest.
For the first time in months, Tyler couldn't my chest.
For the first time in months, Tyler couldn't tell me what to do.
The following morning, tell me what to do.
The following morning, Eleanor arranged an emergency meeting with the company's Eleanor arranged an emergency meeting with the company's legal team.
The USB drive was examined by an independent digital forensics specialist.
It contained three legal team.
The USB drive was examined by an independent digital forensics specialist.
It contained three files.
The first was an audio recording.
The second was a collection files.
The first was an audio recording.
The second was a collection of financial records.
The third was a scanned letter signed by my father.
I sat beside Eleanor in of financial records.
The third was a scanned letter signed by my father.
I sat beside Eleanor in a private conference room.
Michael sat across from us.
Rebecca was at a private conference room.
Michael sat across from us.
Rebecca was at the end of the table.
My mother held my hand.
The specialist connected his laptop to the conference the end of the table.
My mother held my hand.
The specialist connected his laptop to the conference screen.
“We've verified that the files were created before Mr. Reed's death,” he explained.
“The recording metadata is consistent with screen.
“We've verified that the files were created before Mr. Reed's death,” he explained.
“The recording metadata is consistent with the date shown on the original device.””
Eleanor nodded.
“Please play it.””
My father's voice filled the room.
the date shown on the original device.””
Eleanor nodded.
“Please play it.””
My father's voice filled the room.
“Daniel, the money is gone. I know where it went.””
A“Daniel, the money is gone. I know where it went.””
A second voice answered.
Daniel.
“You can't prove anything.””
“I have the transfers second voice answered.
Daniel.
“You can't prove anything.””
“I have the transfers.””
“You have incomplete records.””
“I have enough.””
There was a long silence.
Then Daniel.””
“You have incomplete records.””
“I have enough.””
There was a long silence.
Then Daniel spoke.
“Listen to me. We can settle this privately.””
“No.””
“You'll destroy the spoke.
“Listen to me. We can settle this privately.””
“No.””
“You'll destroy the family.””
“You already did that when you stole from your own brother family.””
“You already did that when you stole from your own brother.””
Daniel's voice became colder.
“Your daughter doesn't know anything about this business.””
“She doesn't.””
Daniel's voice became colder.
“Your daughter doesn't know anything about this business.””
“She doesn't need to.””
“Then give me the shares.””
My father laughed.
“You still don't understand. need to.””
“Then give me the shares.””
My father laughed.
“You still don't understand. They're not mine to give away anymore.””
The recording crackled.
Daniel spoke again.
“ They're not mine to give away anymore.””
The recording crackled.
Daniel spoke again.
“Then who controls them?””
My father answered.
“Vanessa.””
A pause.
“And when she's gone?””
Then who controls them?””
My father answered.
“Vanessa.””
A pause.
“And when she's gone?””
“Her children inherit according to the trust.””
Daniel's voice changed.
“You've put“Her children inherit according to the trust.””
Daniel's voice changed.
“You've put everything in their names?””
“I've put their everything in their names?””
“I've put their future beyond your reach.””
The recording ended abruptly.
Nobody moved.
I felt tears slipping future beyond your reach.””
The recording ended abruptly.
Nobody moved.
I felt tears slipping down my cheeks.
My father had known.
He had known exactly what Daniel wanted.
And he had protected us anyway down my cheeks.
My father had known.
He had known exactly what Daniel wanted.
And he had protected us anyway.
The specialist opened the second file.
A series of bank transfers appeared.
Eleanor examined them carefully.
The specialist opened the second file.
A series of bank transfers appeared.
Eleanor examined them carefully.
“These records show payments from the company to three offshore accounts.””
Rebecca leaned forward.
“.
“These records show payments from the company to three offshore accounts.””
Rebecca leaned forward.
“Those are the accounts I suspected.””
Michael pointed to one transaction.
“Wait.””
HeThose are the accounts I suspected.””
Michael pointed to one transaction.
“Wait.””
He zoomed in.
A payment of $250,000 had been made to a consulting company.
zoomed in.
A payment of $250,000 had been made to a consulting company.
The listed director was Tyler Reed.
I stared at the screen.
Another payment appeared.
$175The listed director was Tyler Reed.
I stared at the screen.
Another payment appeared.
$175,000.
Then another.
$90,000.
Eleanor made notes.
“These records could establish a pattern,000.
Then another.
$90,000.
Eleanor made notes.
“These records could establish a pattern of unauthorized transfers.””
I looked at Michael.
“Is that enough to stop Daniel of unauthorized transfers.””
I looked at Michael.
“Is that enough to stop Daniel's ownership claim?””
“It's enough to challenge the documents he submitted.””
Eleanor nodded's ownership claim?””
“It's enough to challenge the documents he submitted.””
Eleanor nodded.
“More importantly, the original shareholder register and your father's recorded instructions contradict the alleged.
“More importantly, the original shareholder register and your father's recorded instructions contradict the alleged transfer.””
She turned toward me.
“Vanessa, I believe we can obtain an injunction preventing Daniel from interfering with the trust transfer.””
She turned toward me.
“Vanessa, I believe we can obtain an injunction preventing Daniel from interfering with the trust while the matter is investigated.””
I exhaled.
For the first time, there was a path forward.
Then while the matter is investigated.””
I exhaled.
For the first time, there was a path forward.
Then the specialist opened the third file.
It was a letter.
My father's signature appeared at the bottom.
But the the specialist opened the third file.
It was a letter.
My father's signature appeared at the bottom.
But the first paragraph made everyone sit up.
*I am aware that Daniel has been attempting to obtain first paragraph made everyone sit up.
I am aware that Daniel has been attempting to obtain control of the company through a fraudulent transfer arrangement.
I am also aware that an control of the company through a fraudulent transfer arrangement.
I am also aware that an employee has been assisting him.
Rebecca frowned.
“An employee?””
The letter continued.
I initially employee has been assisting him.
Rebecca frowned.
“An employee?””
The letter continued.
I initially suspected Daniel was acting alone. I was wrong.
The employee has access to the original shareholder records and has suspected Daniel was acting alone. I was wrong.
The employee has access to the original shareholder records and has been providing copies to Daniel.
I have not yet confronted this individual because been providing copies to Daniel.
I have not yet confronted this individual because I need to know how far the arrangement extends.
I looked at Eleanor.
“Who was I need to know how far the arrangement extends.*
I looked at Eleanor.
“Who was it?””
She turned the page.
At the bottom was a name.
**S it?””
She turned the page.
At the bottom was a name.
*Sloane Harrington.*
Michael went completely still.
“That can't be right.””
Rebecca leanedloane Harrington.**
Michael went completely still.
“That can't be right.””
Rebecca leaned closer.
“Your father knew Sloane?””
Michael shook his head.
“No. She wasn't married to me then.””
E closer.
“Your father knew Sloane?””
Michael shook his head.
“No. She wasn't married to me then.””
Eleanor examined the date.
“According to this, she was employed by Reed Meridian Holdings as an externalleanor examined the date.
“According to this, she was employed by Reed Meridian Holdings as an external financial consultant.””
I looked at Michael.
“So she was involved before she even met you?””
financial consultant.””
I looked at Michael.
“So she was involved before she even met you?””
He didn't answer.
His jaw tightened.
I suddenly remembered the waterfront.
The way SloaneHe didn't answer.
His jaw tightened.
I suddenly remembered the waterfront.
The way Sloane had looked at Michael when he stepped out of the SUV had looked at Michael when he stepped out of the SUV.
It hadn't been the expression of a woman surprised to see her husband.
.
It hadn't been the expression of a woman surprised to see her husband.
It had been the expression of someone whose entire plan had just collapsed.
Michael stood.
“I need to speak toIt had been the expression of someone whose entire plan had just collapsed.
Michael stood.
“I need to speak to her.””
Eleanor shook her head.
“Not without legal representation.””
He stopped.
Then he looked her.””
Eleanor shook her head.
“Not without legal representation.””
He stopped.
Then he looked at me.
“Vanessa, there's something I need to tell you.””
I waited.
“Sloane wasn't simply involved with Tyler. at me.
“Vanessa, there's something I need to tell you.””
I waited.
“Sloane wasn't simply involved with Tyler. She was the person who introduced him to Daniel.””
I felt sick.
“Why?””
“Because she knew Tyler She was the person who introduced him to Daniel.””
I felt sick.
“Why?””
“Because she knew Tyler had been interested in your father's company for years.””
My eyes widened.
“Years?””
Michael nodded.
“She found had been interested in your father's company for years.””
My eyes widened.
“Years?””
Michael nodded.
“She found him through an old business contact. She knew he had approached your father before. She knew he wanted another opportunity.””
I looked him through an old business contact. She knew he had approached your father before. She knew he wanted another opportunity.””
I looked at Rebecca.
“Then the entire relationship was planned?””
“Not necessarily every moment of at Rebecca.
“Then the entire relationship was planned?””
“Not necessarily every moment of it,” Rebecca replied.
“But the financial arrangement came first.””
My hands began shaking.
The romance.
it,” Rebecca replied.
“But the financial arrangement came first.””
My hands began shaking.
The romance.
The wedding.
The promises.
The twins.
All of it had been built on a foundation of lies.
EThe wedding.
The promises.
The twins.
All of it had been built on a foundation of lies.
Eleanor closed the folder.
“We have enough to move forward.””
But Michael wasn't looking at the documents anymoreleanor closed the folder.
“We have enough to move forward.””
But Michael wasn't looking at the documents anymore.
He was looking at the final page of my father's letter.
There was a handwritten note.
He read it silently.
Then his.
He was looking at the final page of my father's letter.
There was a handwritten note.
He read it silently.
Then his expression changed.
“What is it?”” I asked.
He passed the page to me.
My father's handwriting was unmistak expression changed.
“What is it?”” I asked.
He passed the page to me.
My father's handwriting was unmistakable.
*If the original evidence is ever recovered, the person who assisted Daniel must be givenable.
If the original evidence is ever recovered, the person who assisted Daniel must be given the opportunity to cooperate.
Because the most dangerous person is not always the one who steals the money.
Sometimes the opportunity to cooperate.
Because the most dangerous person is not always the one who steals the money.
Sometimes it is the person who makes everyone else believe the theft was legitimate.
I looked at Michael.
“Who does it is the person who makes everyone else believe the theft was legitimate.*
I looked at Michael.
“Who does he mean?””
Michael stared at the page.
“I think your father was referring to someone who had authority he mean?””
Michael stared at the page.
“I think your father was referring to someone who had authority to approve the transfers.””
Eleanor looked at Rebecca.
Rebecca looked at Michael.
Then to approve the transfers.””
Eleanor looked at Rebecca.
Rebecca looked at Michael.
Then Michael said something that made my heart stop.
“Sloane may have had access to the records, but Michael said something that made my heart stop.
“Sloane may have had access to the records, but she couldn't authorize those transactions.””
I swallowed.
“Who could?””
Michael didn't answer.
He simply turned the she couldn't authorize those transactions.””
I swallowed.
“Who could?””
Michael didn't answer.
He simply turned the page over.
There was another signature.
A signature from the original company records.
And it belonged page over.
There was another signature.
A signature from the original company records.
And it belonged to someone sitting at the same table.
I stared.
Rebecca to someone sitting at the same table.
I stared.
Rebecca.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Rebecca slowly stood.
“That's not what it looks like.””
My.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Rebecca slowly stood.
“That's not what it looks like.””
My mother pulled me closer.
I looked at the woman who had delivered mother pulled me closer.
I looked at the woman who had delivered my father's letter.
The woman who had brought us to the archive.
The woman who had claimed to be protecting my inheritance my father's letter.
The woman who had brought us to the archive.
The woman who had claimed to be protecting my inheritance.
“Rebecca,” I whispered.
She closed her eyes.
“I can explain.””
Eleanor's voice became firm.
.
“Rebecca,” I whispered.
She closed her eyes.
“I can explain.””
Eleanor's voice became firm.
“Then I suggest you start.””
Rebecca looked at me.
And the first words out of her mouth were:
““Then I suggest you start.””
Rebecca looked at me.
And the first words out of her mouth were:
“Your father asked me to take the blame.””
My heart pounded.
“What?””
“HeYour father asked me to take the blame.””
My heart pounded.
“What?””
“He knew Daniel was trying to destroy the company. He needed someone to keep the records safe. Someone knew Daniel was trying to destroy the company.
He needed someone to keep the records safe. Someone who could appear to have been involved in the transfers.””
I shook my head.
“Why would he ask you to do that?””
“ who could appear to have been involved in the transfers.””
I shook my head.
“Why would he ask you to do that?””
“Because Daniel was watching everyone. Your father believed that if the evidence disappeared, Daniel wouldBecause Daniel was watching everyone. Your father believed that if the evidence disappeared, Daniel would stop looking for it.””
Michael frowned.
“Then why does Rebecca's stop looking for it.””
Michael frowned.
“Then why does Rebecca's signature appear on the authorization?””
“Because I signed the temporary administrative documents. Not signature appear on the authorization?””
“Because I signed the temporary administrative documents. Not the transfers.””
Eleanor examined the page.
“Do you have proof?””
Rebecca reached into her handbag.
the transfers.””
Eleanor examined the page.
“Do you have proof?””
Rebecca reached into her handbag.
She removed a final envelope.
“This is what your father asked me to keep.””
Inside was a signed declaration.
She removed a final envelope.
“This is what your father asked me to keep.””
Inside was a signed declaration.
It stated that Rebecca had been instructed to act as a temporary custodian of certain company records.
AndIt stated that Rebecca had been instructed to act as a temporary custodian of certain company records.
And attached was a second document.
A handwritten note from my father.
*Rebecca, if Vanessa attached was a second document.
A handwritten note from my father.
Rebecca, if Vanessa ever needs to know what happened, tell her that you protected the records. Tell her that you ever needs to know what happened, tell her that you protected the records. Tell her that you did not protect me.
Rebecca began crying.
I stared at her.
“What does that mean?””
She did not protect me.*
Rebecca began crying.
I stared at her.
“What does that mean?””
She looked at the floor.
“Your father called me the night before he died.””
I felt my stomach tighten.
“What happened?””
looked at the floor.
“Your father called me the night before he died.””
I felt my stomach tighten.
“What happened?””
“He told me he was going to confront Daniel the following morning. I begged him not to go.””
“Why“He told me he was going to confront Daniel the following morning. I begged him not to go.””
“Why?””
“Because I had received a message warning me that Daniel knew about the investigation.””
Her voice broke.
“I?””
“Because I had received a message warning me that Daniel knew about the investigation.””
Her voice broke.
“I should have stopped him.””
I reached for the edge of the table.
“Did Daniel know Dad should have stopped him.””
I reached for the edge of the table.
“Did Daniel know Dad was going to the office?””
Rebecca nodded.
“Yes.””
“And did you tell anyone?””
“No.””
“Why?””
“ was going to the office?””
Rebecca nodded.
“Yes.””
“And did you tell anyone?””
“No.””
“Why?””
“Because I was afraid.””
She looked at me through her tears.
“I've regretted that decisionBecause I was afraid.””
She looked at me through her tears.
“I've regretted that decision every day for six years.””
I wanted to be angry.
Part of me was.
But another part understood every day for six years.””
I wanted to be angry.
Part of me was.
But another part understood that fear could make people stay silent when they should have spoken.
Eleanor gathered the documents.
“We that fear could make people stay silent when they should have spoken.
Eleanor gathered the documents.
“We now have enough to request a full investigation into the original financial misconduct and now have enough to request a full investigation into the original financial misconduct and the alleged forgery.””
I looked at her.
“What happens to Daniel?””
“That the alleged forgery.””
I looked at her.
“What happens to Daniel?””
“That depends on the findings.””
“And Tyler?””
“He will have to answer for the documents he depends on the findings.””
“And Tyler?””
“He will have to answer for the documents he signed and the transfers he received.””
I nodded.
Then my phone rang.
A number I recognized.
Ty signed and the transfers he received.””
I nodded.
Then my phone rang.
A number I recognized.
Tyler's attorney.
I answered.
“Hello?””
“Mrs. Reed, this is Mr. Lawson. I'mler's attorney.
I answered.
“Hello?””
“Mrs. Reed, this is Mr. Lawson. I'm calling regarding your husband.””
I felt my stomach tighten.
“What about him?””
“He wishes to make calling regarding your husband.””
I felt my stomach tighten.
“What about him?””
“He wishes to make a formal statement.””
“About what?””
There was a pause.
Then the attorney said:
“He wants a formal statement.””
“About what?””
There was a pause.
Then the attorney said:
“He wants to cooperate with the investigation against Daniel Reed.””
I looked at Michael.
“What?””
The attorney continued.
“Mr. Reed to cooperate with the investigation against Daniel Reed.””
I looked at Michael.
“What?””
The attorney continued.
“Mr. Reed claims that he has evidence proving Daniel orchestrated the entire scheme.””
I swallowed.
“Why now claims that he has evidence proving Daniel orchestrated the entire scheme.””
I swallowed.
“Why now?””
Another pause.
“Because he says Daniel has been threatening him.””
I ended the call.
Michael looked at me.
?””
Another pause.
“Because he says Daniel has been threatening him.””
I ended the call.
Michael looked at me.
“Tyler is trying to save himself.””
I nodded.
But something bothered me.
If“Tyler is trying to save himself.””
I nodded.
But something bothered me.
If Tyler had evidence against Daniel, why hadn't he used it before?
Why had he waited until the conspiracy began Tyler had evidence against Daniel, why hadn't he used it before?
Why had he waited until the conspiracy began collapsing?
I looked at the USB drive.
Then at the final page of my father's letter.
And I realized that collapsing?
I looked at the USB drive.
Then at the final page of my father's letter.
And I realized that the most important question still hadn't been answered.
Who had arranged for Tyler to approach me in the first place?
I looked at Rebecca the most important question still hadn't been answered.
Who had arranged for Tyler to approach me in the first place?
I looked at Rebecca.
“Did Dad ever tell you why he trusted Tyler?””
She shook her head.
“No.
“Did Dad ever tell you why he trusted Tyler?””
She shook her head.
“No.””
Michael looked thoughtful.
Then he said:
“Perhaps Tyler can tell us.””
Because the next morning, Tyler.””
Michael looked thoughtful.
Then he said:
“Perhaps Tyler can tell us.””
Because the next morning, Tyler's attorney delivered a sealed statement.
And on the first page, beneath the heading *'s attorney delivered a sealed statement.
And on the first page, beneath the heading Full Disclosure, was a sentence that changed everything.
I did not meet Vanessa Reed by chance.
Full Disclosure*, was a sentence that changed everything.
I did not meet Vanessa Reed by chance.
Tyler had finally admittedTyler had finally admitted it.
I read it.
I read the sentence again.
I did not meet Vanessa Reed by chance.
E the sentence again.
I did not meet Vanessa Reed by chance.
Eleanor turned the page.
There was a detailed account of the charity fundraiser whereleanor turned the page.
There was a detailed account of the charity fundraiser where Tyler and I had first met.
He had been given my photograph.
My professional Tyler and I had first met.
He had been given my photograph.
My professional background.
My father's name.
Even the name of the charity I supported.
He had known exactly where background.
My father's name.
Even the name of the charity I supported.
He had known exactly where I would be standing.
He had known what to say.
And he'd known that I would be standing.
He had known what to say.
And he'd known that I was grieving my father.
I felt tears gathering.
My mother squeezed my hand.
“Vanessa…”
I was grieving my father.
I felt tears gathering.
My mother squeezed my hand.
“Vanessa…”
I shook my head.
“Let me finish.””
The statement continued.
*Daniel introduced me to SI shook my head.
“Let me finish.””
The statement continued.
Daniel introduced me to Sloane Harrington, who explained that Vanessa was the sole beneficiary of Reed Meridian Holdings.
Iloane Harrington, who explained that Vanessa was the sole beneficiary of Reed Meridian Holdings.
I was offered $20,000 to establish a relationship with her and eventually secure her trust.
I stopped was offered $20,000 to establish a relationship with her and eventually secure her trust.*
I stopped reading.
Twenty thousand dollars.
That was the price of my first conversation with my husband.
The reading.
Twenty thousand dollars.
That was the price of my first conversation with my husband.
The document continued.
I accepted the money.
I knew what Daniel wanted.
*But document continued.
I accepted the money.
I knew what Daniel wanted.
But I did not expect to fall in love with Vanessa.
I almost laughed.
Even now I did not expect to fall in love with Vanessa.*
I almost laughed.
Even now, he wanted to make himself sound sympathetic.
Then I reached the final paragraph.
*Daniel promised, he wanted to make himself sound sympathetic.
Then I reached the final paragraph.
Daniel promised me that once Vanessa signed the necessary documents, I would receive a controlling management position and a substantial financial me that once Vanessa signed the necessary documents, I would receive a controlling management position and a substantial financial payment.
When Vanessa became pregnant with twins, Daniel became concerned that the trust might change the payment.
When Vanessa became pregnant with twins, Daniel became concerned that the trust might change the way the company was managed.
He instructed me to accelerate the transfer process way the company was managed.
He instructed me to accelerate the transfer process.
I looked at Eleanor.
“Can this be used against him?””
“Yes,” she replied.
“But we need corroborating evidence. A.*
I looked at Eleanor.
“Can this be used against him?””
“Yes,” she replied.
“But we need corroborating evidence. A statement alone is not enough.””
I turned to Michael.
“Does this prove S statement alone is not enough.””
I turned to Michael.
“Does this prove Sloane was involved from the beginning?””
“It establishes what Tyler is claiming. We still need the underlying communications.””
Myloane was involved from the beginning?””
“It establishes what Tyler is claiming. We still need the underlying communications.””
My phone vibrated.
A new message.
From Tyler.
I know you have my statement.
Another message followed.
* phone vibrated.
A new message.
From Tyler.
I know you have my statement.
Another message followed.
I want to see the girls.
I stared at the screen.
Then came oneI want to see the girls.*
I stared at the screen.
Then came one final message.
Please, Vanessa. I made mistakes, but I'm still their father.
I looked toward final message.
Please, Vanessa. I made mistakes, but I'm still their father.
I looked toward Piper and Poppy.
They were sleeping beside my mother.
I thought about the man who had refused to hold them at Piper and Poppy.
They were sleeping beside my mother.
I thought about the man who had refused to hold them at the waterfront.
The man who had threatened me.
The man who had discussed using my pregnancy as an opportunity the waterfront.
The man who had threatened me.
The man who had discussed using my pregnancy as an opportunity.
I typed one sentence.
*Being their father is a responsibility, not a title you.
I typed one sentence.
Being their father is a responsibility, not a title you can use when convenient.
Then I put my phone away.
Michael watched me.
“You don't have to make any can use when convenient.*
Then I put my phone away.
Michael watched me.
“You don't have to make any decisions today.””
“I know.””
I looked at the documents spread across the table.
“For six years decisions today.””
“I know.””
I looked at the documents spread across the table.
“For six years, everyone has made decisions about my father's company. For months, Tyler made decisions about my marriage. And all, everyone has made decisions about my father's company.
For months, Tyler made decisions about my marriage. And all along, they assumed I wouldn't understand what was happening.””
I took a breath.
“That ends along, they assumed I wouldn't understand what was happening.””
I took a breath.
“That ends now.””
Eleanor nodded.
“Then tomorrow, we begin with the emergency injunction.””
Michael closed now.””
Eleanor nodded.
“Then tomorrow, we begin with the emergency injunction.””
Michael closed the folder.
“And I'll make sure Daniel cannot access any of the remaining financial records.””
the folder.
“And I'll make sure Daniel cannot access any of the remaining financial records.””
I looked at the old photograph of my father.
For the first time, I wasn't simply grievingI looked at the old photograph of my father.
For the first time, I wasn't simply grieving him.
I was beginning to understand him.
He had left me more than a company.
him.
I was beginning to understand him.
He had left me more than a company.
He had left me the truth.
But as everyone began gathering their documentsHe had left me the truth.
But as everyone began gathering their documents, Rebecca quietly approached me.
“Vanessa, there's one thing you, Rebecca quietly approached me.
“Vanessa, there's one thing you should know.””
I turned.
“What?””
She lowered her voice.
“Tyler's statement is incomplete.””
My stomach tightened.
“What should know.””
I turned.
“What?””
She lowered her voice.
“Tyler's statement is incomplete.””
My stomach tightened.
“What do you mean?””
“He admitted Daniel arranged your first meeting. He do you mean?””
“He admitted Daniel arranged your first meeting. He admitted the payments. But he hasn't told you who gave Daniel your private admitted the payments. But he hasn't told you who gave Daniel your private information.””
I stared at her.
“Who?””
Rebecca glanced toward Michael.
Then she looked back at me.
“Someone who had information.””
I stared at her.
“Who?””
Rebecca glanced toward Michael.
Then she looked back at me.
“Someone who had access to your father's personal correspondence.””
My heart began racing.
“Who?””
Rebecca hesitated.
Then she whispered:
“The access to your father's personal correspondence.””
My heart began racing.
“Who?””
Rebecca hesitated.
Then she whispered:
“The person who introduced your father to Daniel's original business partner.””
Before I could ask another question, my phone rang.
An unfamiliar number person who introduced your father to Daniel's original business partner.””
Before I could ask another question, my phone rang.
An unfamiliar number.
I answered.
A woman's voice came through.
“Vanessa? My name is Claire. I was your father's personal.
I answered.
A woman's voice came through.
“Vanessa? My name is Claire. I was your father's personal assistant.””
I froze.
“Why are you calling me?””
“Because I saw something in his private calendar assistant.””
I froze.
“Why are you calling me?””
“Because I saw something in his private calendar that I believe you need to know.””
“What?””
A pause.
Then she said:
“Your father had that I believe you need to know.””
“What?””
A pause.
Then she said:
“Your father had arranged a meeting with Tyler Reed three days before he died.””
My fingers tightened around the arranged a meeting with Tyler Reed three days before he died.””
My fingers tightened around the phone.
“Three days?””
“Yes.””
“And who else was supposed to attend?””
Claire took phone.
“Three days?””
“Yes.””
“And who else was supposed to attend?””
Claire took a shaky breath.
“Your uncle Daniel.””
Then she added:
“But Vanessa, a shaky breath.
“Your uncle Daniel.””
Then she added:
“But Vanessa, there's something strange about that meeting.””
“What?””
“Your father cancelled it himself there's something strange about that meeting.””
“What?””
“Your father cancelled it himself.””
I frowned.
“Why?””
“Because he discovered that Tyler wasn't the person Daniel had originally sent to approach you.””
I frowned.
“Why?””
“Because he discovered that Tyler wasn't the person Daniel had originally sent to approach you.””
I looked at Rebecca.
She had gone completely still.
Claire continued.
“Someone else.””
I looked at Rebecca.
She had gone completely still.
Claire continued.
“Someone else had been assigned to marry you first.””
My blood ran cold.
“Who?””
The woman had been assigned to marry you first.””
My blood ran cold.
“Who?””
The woman hesitated.
Then she whispered:
“Your father's original business partner's son.””
And before hesitated.
Then she whispered:
May you like
“Your father's original business partner's son.””
And before I could ask his name, the call disconnected. I could ask his name, the call disconnected.
