Chapter 9: The Inheritance Vanessa Tried to Steal
For several## Chapter 9: The Inheritance Vanessa Tried to Steal
For several minutes, Nia couldn't speak.
The document lay open minutes, Nia couldn't speak.
The document lay open on her grandmother's old sewing table.
A controlling ownership trust.
Her name appeared beneath the words sole beneficiary and creative successor.
on her grandmother's old sewing table.
A controlling ownership trust.
Her name appeared beneath the words sole beneficiary and creative successor.
Daniel carefully turned another page.
“This changes everything,” he said.
Nia looked at him.
“Does it mean Vale House belongs to me?””
“Not automatically. We need to verify the trust with the issuingDaniel carefully turned another page.
“This changes everything,” he said.
Nia looked at him.
“Does it mean Vale House belongs to me?””
“Not automatically. We need to verify the trust with the issuing attorney and confirm that every condition has been satisfied. But according to this document, your grandmother placed a controlling interest in the company into a protected trust for you.””
“How much?””
Daniel pointed to the ownership schedule.
“Sixty-two percent.””
Nia stared at the number.
Sixty-two percent.
Her mother had spent years telling her she attorney and confirm that every condition has been satisfied. But according to this document, your grandmother placed a controlling interest in the company into a protected trust for you.””
“How much?””
Daniel pointed to the ownership schedule.
“Sixty-two percent.””
Nia stared at the number.
Sixty-two percent.
Her mother had spent years telling her she was nothing without the family business.
Yet her grandmother had apparently intended Nia to become its majority owner.
Mrs. Collins, standing near the doorway, covered her mouth.
“Oh, Evelyn,” she whispered.
Nia looked at her.
“Did you know?””
“Not the details. Your grandmother told me she had arranged something to protect was nothing without the family business.
Yet her grandmother had apparently intended Nia to become its majority owner.
Mrs. Collins, standing near the doorway, covered her mouth.
“Oh, Evelyn,” she whispered.
Nia looked at her.
“Did you know?””
“Not the details. Your grandmother told me she had arranged something to protect you. She never explained how much.””
Daniel continued reading.
“There's a condition attached.””
“What condition?””
“The beneficiary must establish herself as an independent designer and have an original collection publicly presented and independently evaluated.””
Nia looked toward the pink floral gown hanging near the window.
After the Storm.
“The Bellamy competition?””
Daniel nodded.
“The judges' you. She never explained how much.””
Daniel continued reading.
“There's a condition attached.””
“What condition?””
“The beneficiary must establish herself as an independent designer and have an original collection publicly presented and independently evaluated.””
Nia looked toward the pink floral gown hanging near the window.
After the Storm.
“The Bellamy competition?””
Daniel nodded.
“The judges' official confirmation could satisfy that condition.””
Nia lowered herself into the chair.
“So Grandma planned all of this?””
“She planned for you to have an opportunity,” Daniel replied.
“She couldn't have known exactly how your mother would behave.””
Nia touched the document.
Her grandmother hadn't merely wanted her to inherit money official confirmation could satisfy that condition.””
Nia lowered herself into the chair.
“So Grandma planned all of this?””
“She planned for you to have an opportunity,” Daniel replied.
“She couldn't have known exactly how your mother would behave.””
Nia touched the document.
Her grandmother hadn't merely wanted her to inherit money or a business.
She wanted Nia to have the freedom to create.
And she had built a legal structure to protect that freedom.
But there was still something troubling.
“What about the recorder?””
Daniel picked it up.
“Let's hear what she wanted you to know.””
The small recorder crackled when Daniel pressed the playback button or a business.
She wanted Nia to have the freedom to create.
And she had built a legal structure to protect that freedom.
But there was still something troubling.
“What about the recorder?””
Daniel picked it up.
“Let's hear what she wanted you to know.””
The small recorder crackled when Daniel pressed the playback button.
For a few seconds, there was only static.
Then a familiar voice filled the sewing room.
“Nia, my darling girl.””
Nia's eyes immediately filled.
It was her grandmother.
The same gentle voice that had told her bedtime stories, encouraged her to sew, and praised every little dress she made as.
For a few seconds, there was only static.
Then a familiar voice filled the sewing room.
“Nia, my darling girl.””
Nia's eyes immediately filled.
It was her grandmother.
The same gentle voice that had told her bedtime stories, encouraged her to sew, and praised every little dress she made as a child.
“My dearest Nia, if you are hearing this, then I have left you with more questions than answers. I'm sorry for that.””
Nia covered her mouth.
Her grandmother continued.
“I wanted to give you the world, but I learned long ago that giving someone everything is not the same as giving them the freedom to become themselves.””
A faint a child.
“My dearest Nia, if you are hearing this, then I have left you with more questions than answers. I'm sorry for that.””
Nia covered her mouth.
Her grandmother continued.
“I wanted to give you the world, but I learned long ago that giving someone everything is not the same as giving them the freedom to become themselves.””
A faint cough interrupted the recording.
“Your mother was once a wonderful young woman. She had ambition, intelligence, and a good heart. But somewhere along the way, she began to believe that success mattered more than honesty.””
Daniel looked toward Nia.
The recording continued.
“I gave Vanessa responsibility for Vale House because I believed she would protect cough interrupted the recording.
“Your mother was once a wonderful young woman. She had ambition, intelligence, and a good heart. But somewhere along the way, she began to believe that success mattered more than honesty.””
Daniel looked toward Nia.
The recording continued.
“I gave Vanessa responsibility for Vale House because I believed she would protect the business and the people who worked for it. I also trusted her with my archive until you were ready.””
Nia's fingers tightened around the edge of the table.
“I discovered that designs were being used without proper attribution. When I questioned Vanessa, she told me that everything was for the family.””
The older woman's voice became quieter.
“I told her that a family built on lies would the business and the people who worked for it. I also trusted her with my archive until you were ready.””
Nia's fingers tightened around the edge of the table.
“I discovered that designs were being used without proper attribution. When I questioned Vanessa, she told me that everything was for the family.””
The older woman's voice became quieter.
“I told her that a family built on lies would eventually collapse.””
There was another pause.
Then her grandmother said something that made Nia's breath catch.
“I gave Vanessa one final opportunity to tell the truth. I asked her to return every original design, every document, and every payment she had taken without authorization.””
Static crackled.
“She refused.””
Nia closed her eyes.
“I hope you never have to understand eventually collapse.””
There was another pause.
Then her grandmother said something that made Nia's breath catch.
“I gave Vanessa one final opportunity to tell the truth. I asked her to return every original design, every document, and every payment she had taken without authorization.””
Static crackled.
“She refused.””
Nia closed her eyes.
“I hope you never have to understand how painful it is to discover that someone you love has chosen greed over your trust.””
The recording continued.
“But there is one thing you must know. The ownership trust was created for a reason. You are not inheriting Vale House because you are my granddaughter. You are inheriting it because I believe you understand what a designer's how painful it is to discover that someone you love has chosen greed over your trust.””
The recording continued.
“But there is one thing you must know. The ownership trust was created for a reason. You are not inheriting Vale House because you are my granddaughter. You are inheriting it because I believe you understand what a designer's name means.””
Nia wiped her cheeks.
“A name is not decoration, sweetheart. It is responsibility. It tells the world who made something, who stood behind it, and who deserves to be remembered.””
The recording ended with a soft click.
Nobody moved.
Mrs. Collins was crying openly.
Daniel slowly placed the recorder on the table name means.””
Nia wiped her cheeks.
“A name is not decoration, sweetheart. It is responsibility. It tells the world who made something, who stood behind it, and who deserves to be remembered.””
The recording ended with a soft click.
Nobody moved.
Mrs. Collins was crying openly.
Daniel slowly placed the recorder on the table.
Nia looked down at the photograph of her grandmother.
“I wish you were here.””
For a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the old wall clock.
Then Daniel's phone rang.
He answered.
“Yes?””
His expression changed.
“What do you mean, tomorrow morning?””
Nia looked up.
Daniel.
Nia looked down at the photograph of her grandmother.
“I wish you were here.””
For a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the old wall clock.
Then Daniel's phone rang.
He answered.
“Yes?””
His expression changed.
“What do you mean, tomorrow morning?””
Nia looked up.
Daniel listened for several seconds before ending the call.
“What happened?””
“Your mother has called an emergency board meeting at Vale House.””
“Why?””
Daniel showed her the message.
It was a company announcement.
*Emergency Meeting: Proposed Transfer of Intellectual Property and Corporate Ownership.*
The proposed buyer was a private investment group.
N listened for several seconds before ending the call.
“What happened?””
“Your mother has called an emergency board meeting at Vale House.””
“Why?””
Daniel showed her the message.
It was a company announcement.
*Emergency Meeting: Proposed Transfer of Intellectual Property and Corporate Ownership.*
The proposed buyer was a private investment group.
Nia recognized the name.
It belonged to a company known for purchasing struggling fashion labels and absorbing their design archives.
Daniel looked at the trust document.
“She's trying to transfer the business before we can register your grandmother's ownership arrangements.””
Nia stood.
“Then we have to stop her.””
The next morning, Vale Houseia recognized the name.
It belonged to a company known for purchasing struggling fashion labels and absorbing their design archives.
Daniel looked at the trust document.
“She's trying to transfer the business before we can register your grandmother's ownership arrangements.””
Nia stood.
“Then we have to stop her.””
The next morning, Vale House was unusually crowded.
Executives, department heads, and legal representatives filled the glass conference room on the second floor.
Vanessa sat at the head of the table.
Brianna was beside her, looking uncomfortable.
A large presentation screen displayed the logo of the proposed acquiring company.
When Nia entered with Daniel and their was unusually crowded.
Executives, department heads, and legal representatives filled the glass conference room on the second floor.
Vanessa sat at the head of the table.
Brianna was beside her, looking uncomfortable.
A large presentation screen displayed the logo of the proposed acquiring company.
When Nia entered with Daniel and their attorney, several people turned.
Vanessa's face hardened.
“I wasn't expecting you.””
Daniel's attorney placed a folder on the table.
“We are here because our client has a documented beneficial interest in the company.””
Vanessa gave a small laugh.
“That's an extraordinary claim.””
Nia remained standing.
“Grandma left me attorney, several people turned.
Vanessa's face hardened.
“I wasn't expecting you.””
Daniel's attorney placed a folder on the table.
“We are here because our client has a documented beneficial interest in the company.””
Vanessa gave a small laugh.
“That's an extraordinary claim.””
Nia remained standing.
“Grandma left me the controlling trust.””
Vanessa's fingers stopped moving.
For the first time, her expression showed genuine panic.
Then she recovered.
“Your grandmother was ill when those documents were prepared. She made several arrangements that were later revised.””
Daniel opened his folder.
“We have the original trust agreement, the ownership schedule, and the beneficiary the controlling trust.””
Vanessa's fingers stopped moving.
For the first time, her expression showed genuine panic.
Then she recovered.
“Your grandmother was ill when those documents were prepared. She made several arrangements that were later revised.””
Daniel opened his folder.
“We have the original trust agreement, the ownership schedule, and the beneficiary conditions.””
Vanessa turned toward the other directors.
“This is a private family matter.””
One of the board members, a silver-haired man named Mr. Mercer, leaned forward.
“Mrs. Vale, if the company ownership is disputed, it is conditions.””
Vanessa turned toward the other directors.
“This is a private family matter.””
One of the board members, a silver-haired man named Mr. Mercer, leaned forward.
“Mrs. Vale, if the company ownership is disputed, it is absolutely a board matter.””
Vanessa glared at him.
“Mr. Mercer, I suggest you remember who appointed you.””
“I remember. Your mother-in-law did.””
Silence.
Nia looked at the man.
He had been working at Vale House for almost twenty years.
She remembered seeing him in the accounts department when she was a teenager absolutely a board matter.””
Vanessa glared at him.
“Mr. Mercer, I suggest you remember who appointed you.””
“I remember. Your mother-in-law did.””
Silence.
Nia looked at the man.
He had been working at Vale House for almost twenty years.
She remembered seeing him in the accounts department when she was a teenager.
He had once helped her carry rolls of silk up the stairs.
Now he was sitting across from Vanessa, refusing to look away.
Daniel placed the trust agreement on the table.
“The beneficiary is Nia Vale. The trust.
He had once helped her carry rolls of silk up the stairs.
Now he was sitting across from Vanessa, refusing to look away.
Daniel placed the trust agreement on the table.
“The beneficiary is Nia Vale. The trust specifies that she receives sixty-two percent of the voting interest once she satisfies the independent-design condition.””
Mr. Mercer read the document carefully.
“And has she?””
“Our position is that she has. The Bellamy International Fashion Award has accepted her collection for final judging, and the independent technical review has confirmed the originality of her work.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“That's not sufficient.””
Richard Bell specifies that she receives sixty-two percent of the voting interest once she satisfies the independent-design condition.””
Mr. Mercer read the document carefully.
“And has she?””
“Our position is that she has. The Bellamy International Fashion Award has accepted her collection for final judging, and the independent technical review has confirmed the originality of her work.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“That's not sufficient.””
Richard Bellamy's voice came from the doorway.
“Actually, Mrs. Vale, it is.””
Everyone turned.
Richard entered carrying a signed letter from the competition's judging panel.
He placed it in front of Mr. Mercer.
“The panel has formally accepted Ms. Vale's collection as an independent original submission. We have also confirmed that her authorship evidence is consistent with the documented design history.””
Vanessa stared atamy's voice came from the doorway.
“Actually, Mrs. Vale, it is.””
Everyone turned.
Richard entered carrying a signed letter from the competition's judging panel.
He placed it in front of Mr. Mercer.
“The panel has formally accepted Ms. Vale's collection as an independent original submission. We have also confirmed that her authorship evidence is consistent with the documented design history.””
Vanessa stared at him.
“Why are you involved in this?””
“Because my institution is now part of the authorship investigation. And because I have no intention of allowing an independent designer's work to be transferred under a false claim.””
Richard turned toward Nia.
“Your grandmother once presented a collection at our first international exhibition. I recognized the family name him.
“Why are you involved in this?””
“Because my institution is now part of the authorship investigation. And because I have no intention of allowing an independent designer's work to be transferred under a false claim.””
Richard turned toward Nia.
“Your grandmother once presented a collection at our first international exhibition. I recognized the family name when I reviewed your work.””
Nia blinked.
“You knew Grandma?””
“I did. She was one of the reasons I started this competition.””
He glanced at the pink floral design portfolio on the table.
“She would be proud of you.””
Nia swallowed.
Vanessa looked increasingly desperate.
“None of this changes the fact that Brianna is the face of Vale House.””
when I reviewed your work.””
Nia blinked.
“You knew Grandma?””
“I did. She was one of the reasons I started this competition.””
He glanced at the pink floral design portfolio on the table.
“She would be proud of you.””
Nia swallowed.
Vanessa looked increasingly desperate.
“None of this changes the fact that Brianna is the face of Vale House.””
Brianna finally spoke.
“I don't want to be the face of something built on Nia's work.””
Vanessa whipped around.
“What did you say?””
Brianna sat straighter.
“I said I don't want it.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“After everything I've done for you?””
“You gave me Nia's dresses and told me toBrianna finally spoke.
“I don't want to be the face of something built on Nia's work.””
Vanessa whipped around.
“What did you say?””
Brianna sat straighter.
“I said I don't want it.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“After everything I've done for you?””
“You gave me Nia's dresses and told me to call them mine.””
“I gave you opportunities!””
“You gave me someone else's name!””
The room fell silent.
Brianna's eyes filled.
“And I let you. I know I did. I'm not pretending I'm innocent anymore.””
Nia looked at her stepsister.
This time, Brianna didn't look away.
Mr. Mercer turned another page.
“There is something else call them mine.””
“I gave you opportunities!””
“You gave me someone else's name!””
The room fell silent.
Brianna's eyes filled.
“And I let you. I know I did. I'm not pretending I'm innocent anymore.””
Nia looked at her stepsister.
This time, Brianna didn't look away.
Mr. Mercer turned another page.
“There is something else,” he said.
Vanessa's expression changed.
“What?””
“The ownership transfer you proposed cannot proceed without approval from the controlling shareholder.””
He tapped the trust agreement.
“And if this document is authentic, the controlling interest belongs to Ms. Nia Vale.””
Vanessa stood.
“This document is not valid.””
Daniel's attorney remained calm.
“,” he said.
Vanessa's expression changed.
“What?””
“The ownership transfer you proposed cannot proceed without approval from the controlling shareholder.””
He tapped the trust agreement.
“And if this document is authentic, the controlling interest belongs to Ms. Nia Vale.””
Vanessa stood.
“This document is not valid.””
Daniel's attorney remained calm.
“Then you should welcome an independent examination.””
Vanessa picked up her folder and began collecting the papers.
“I'm not discussing this further.””
Nia looked at her.
“You're going to stop the transfer?””
Vanessa paused.
“No.””
“Why?””
“Because you don't understand what you're taking responsibility for.””
Nia stepped closer.
Then you should welcome an independent examination.””
Vanessa picked up her folder and began collecting the papers.
“I'm not discussing this further.””
Nia looked at her.
“You're going to stop the transfer?””
Vanessa paused.
“No.””
“Why?””
“Because you don't understand what you're taking responsibility for.””
Nia stepped closer.
“I understand that I have a right to the work Grandma left me.””
Vanessa leaned across the table.
“You think sixty-two percent makes you powerful? Do you know how much debt this company carries? Do you know how many people depend on my decisions?””
Mr. Mercer interrupted.
“The company's finances are stable,“I understand that I have a right to the work Grandma left me.””
Vanessa leaned across the table.
“You think sixty-two percent makes you powerful? Do you know how much debt this company carries? Do you know how many people depend on my decisions?””
Mr. Mercer interrupted.
“The company's finances are stable, Mrs. Vale.””
Vanessa turned sharply.
“Not for long.””
That sentence caught Daniel's attention.
He looked at the financial schedule in the acquisition proposal.
Then at the transaction date.
“Mrs. Vale, why does this agreement transfer the entire design archive before the company shares are sold?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Daniel Mrs. Vale.””
Vanessa turned sharply.
“Not for long.””
That sentence caught Daniel's attention.
He looked at the financial schedule in the acquisition proposal.
Then at the transaction date.
“Mrs. Vale, why does this agreement transfer the entire design archive before the company shares are sold?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
Daniel turned another page.
“There's also a separate payment to a company named V&M Creative Holdings.””
Mr. Mercer leaned forward.
“V&M? I've never seen that vendor on our accounts.””
Vanessa's face tightened.
Daniel checked the document again.
“The payment is listed as an archive licensing fee.””
Nia looked at Vanessa.
“Who owns V&M?””
Vanessa turned another page.
“There's also a separate payment to a company named V&M Creative Holdings.””
Mr. Mercer leaned forward.
“V&M? I've never seen that vendor on our accounts.””
Vanessa's face tightened.
Daniel checked the document again.
“The payment is listed as an archive licensing fee.””
Nia looked at Vanessa.
“Who owns V&M?””
Vanessa closed the folder.
“It's a private investment company.””
Daniel looked up.
“Who owns it?””
The room became silent.
Vanessa picked up her handbag.
“I have another appointment.””
She walked toward the door.
But Nia followed her with her eyes.
Her mother had spent years telling her that everything she did was for the family.
Now a company nobody recognized closed the folder.
“It's a private investment company.””
Daniel looked up.
“Who owns it?””
The room became silent.
Vanessa picked up her handbag.
“I have another appointment.””
She walked toward the door.
But Nia followed her with her eyes.
Her mother had spent years telling her that everything she did was for the family.
Now a company nobody recognized was about to receive a substantial payment for the rights to designs that belonged to Nia's grandmother.
Something was very wrong.
After the meeting, Daniel and Nia remained behind with Mr. Mercer.
The accountant reviewed the transaction documents once more.
“I need to be honest with you,” he said was about to receive a substantial payment for the rights to designs that belonged to Nia's grandmother.
Something was very wrong.
After the meeting, Daniel and Nia remained behind with Mr. Mercer.
The accountant reviewed the transaction documents once more.
“I need to be honest with you,” he said.
“I've noticed irregularities in the archive accounts for some time.””
Nia sat down.
“What kind?””
“Licensing income was being deposited into a separate account. The payments were recorded as design-development fees.””
“Who authorized them?””
“Vanessa.””
Daniel leaned forward.
“Do you have the underlying invoices?””
Mr. Mercer nodded.
“I can retrieve them from.
“I've noticed irregularities in the archive accounts for some time.””
Nia sat down.
“What kind?””
“Licensing income was being deposited into a separate account. The payments were recorded as design-development fees.””
“Who authorized them?””
“Vanessa.””
Daniel leaned forward.
“Do you have the underlying invoices?””
Mr. Mercer nodded.
“I can retrieve them from the accounting records.””
“How long has this been happening?””
“Several years.””
Nia looked down.
Several years.
That was how long Brianna had been appearing in fashion magazines wearing designs she hadn't made.
“Were the original designers paid?””
Mr. Mercer shook his head.
“Not separately. The payments were recorded as company income.””
Nia swallowed the accounting records.””
“How long has this been happening?””
“Several years.””
Nia looked down.
Several years.
That was how long Brianna had been appearing in fashion magazines wearing designs she hadn't made.
“Were the original designers paid?””
Mr. Mercer shook his head.
“Not separately. The payments were recorded as company income.””
Nia swallowed.
“So the money from Grandma's designs went into this company?””
“Some of it did.””
Daniel looked toward the acquisition proposal.
“Then we need to identify the final recipient of the money.””
Mr. Mercer opened his laptop.
He searched through the company's archived transactions.
Then he stopped.
His expression changed.
“That's impossible.””
“What?”” Nia asked.
He.
“So the money from Grandma's designs went into this company?””
“Some of it did.””
Daniel looked toward the acquisition proposal.
“Then we need to identify the final recipient of the money.””
Mr. Mercer opened his laptop.
He searched through the company's archived transactions.
Then he stopped.
His expression changed.
“That's impossible.””
“What?”” Nia asked.
He turned the screen around.
The registered director of V&M Creative Holdings was listed as:
*Vanessa Vale.*
Nia stared.
Her mother hadn't merely been protecting Vale House.
She had been transferring money from it into a separate company she controlled.
Mr. Mercer printed the record.
Daniel carefully placed it into the evidence folder.
“We need the complete account history turned the screen around.
The registered director of V&M Creative Holdings was listed as:
*Vanessa Vale.*
Nia stared.
Her mother hadn't merely been protecting Vale House.
She had been transferring money from it into a separate company she controlled.
Mr. Mercer printed the record.
Daniel carefully placed it into the evidence folder.
“We need the complete account history.””
Mr. Mercer nodded.
“I'll prepare it.””
But before they could continue, Nia's phone buzzed.
A message had arrived from Brianna.
I found the rest of the paperwork. Mom has been keeping it in her bedroom safe.
Another message followed.
There's also a document with my signature.
Nia called her immediately.
“B.””
Mr. Mercer nodded.
“I'll prepare it.””
But before they could continue, Nia's phone buzzed.
A message had arrived from Brianna.
I found the rest of the paperwork. Mom has been keeping it in her bedroom safe.
Another message followed.
There's also a document with my signature.
Nia called her immediately.
“Brianna, what document?””
Her stepsister answered in a whisper.
“Mom made me sign something last month. She said it was a routine authorization for the company.””
“What did you sign?””
“I don't know. I didn't read every page.””
Nia closed her eyes.
“Brianna.””
“I know. I know how stupid it sounds.””
rianna, what document?””
Her stepsister answered in a whisper.
“Mom made me sign something last month. She said it was a routine authorization for the company.””
“What did you sign?””
“I don't know. I didn't read every page.””
Nia closed her eyes.
“Brianna.””
“I know. I know how stupid it sounds.””
“What's the document for?””
Brianna's voice broke.
“It's a transfer agreement.””
Nia felt her blood run cold.
“What is being transferred?””
Brianna hesitated.
“Mom told me it was the archive.””
“Did you sign it?””
“Yes.””
Nia gripped the phone.
“Why?””
“She said Grandma had left the archive to me.””
N“What's the document for?””
Brianna's voice broke.
“It's a transfer agreement.””
Nia felt her blood run cold.
“What is being transferred?””
Brianna hesitated.
“Mom told me it was the archive.””
“Did you sign it?””
“Yes.””
Nia gripped the phone.
“Why?””
“She said Grandma had left the archive to me.””
Nia looked at Daniel.
He was already opening his laptop.
Brianna continued.
“But that's not the worst part.””
“What?””
“There's another page. It says I agreed to take full responsibility for every design sold under my name.””
Nia's heart sank.
“Responsibility for what?””
“Any copyright disputeia looked at Daniel.
He was already opening his laptop.
Brianna continued.
“But that's not the worst part.””
“What?””
“There's another page. It says I agreed to take full responsibility for every design sold under my name.””
Nia's heart sank.
“Responsibility for what?””
“Any copyright dispute. Any false attribution. Any claim involving stolen work.””
Nia went completely still.
Her mother hadn't just been stealing designs.
She had been preparing to make Brianna the legal scapegoat.
That evening, Nia returned to Collins Alterations.
She found Mrs. Collins sitting beside the window with the old photograph of her grandmother.
“What's wrong?”” the. Any false attribution. Any claim involving stolen work.””
Nia went completely still.
Her mother hadn't just been stealing designs.
She had been preparing to make Brianna the legal scapegoat.
That evening, Nia returned to Collins Alterations.
She found Mrs. Collins sitting beside the window with the old photograph of her grandmother.
“What's wrong?”” the older woman asked.
Nia explained what she had learned.
Mrs. Collins listened without interrupting.
When Nia finished, she said something unexpected.
“Your grandmother warned me about this.””
Nia looked up.
“When?””
“A few weeks before she died. She told me Vanessa was becoming dangerous, and that one day Brianna might be asked to carry the blame older woman asked.
Nia explained what she had learned.
Mrs. Collins listened without interrupting.
When Nia finished, she said something unexpected.
“Your grandmother warned me about this.””
Nia looked up.
“When?””
“A few weeks before she died. She told me Vanessa was becoming dangerous, and that one day Brianna might be asked to carry the blame for everything.””
Nia sat beside her.
“Why didn't you tell me?””
“Because I didn't have proof. And because your grandmother made me promise to wait until the right moment.””
Mrs. Collins reached into her drawer and pulled out a small envelope.
“I think that moment has come.””
Nia opened it.
Inside was a handwritten note.
*If Vanessa attempts for everything.””
Nia sat beside her.
“Why didn't you tell me?””
“Because I didn't have proof. And because your grandmother made me promise to wait until the right moment.””
Mrs. Collins reached into her drawer and pulled out a small envelope.
“I think that moment has come.””
Nia opened it.
Inside was a handwritten note.
If Vanessa attempts to transfer the archive or blame another person for her decisions, contact Daniel Whitmore. He knows where the final ownership record is kept.
Nia looked at the date.
It had been written three days before her grandmother died.
“Where is the final ownership record?””
Mrs. Collins turned the envelope over.
A second note was hidden beneath the flap.
It contained an address.
Not the to transfer the archive or blame another person for her decisions, contact Daniel Whitmore. He knows where the final ownership record is kept.*
Nia looked at the date.
It had been written three days before her grandmother died.
“Where is the final ownership record?””
Mrs. Collins turned the envelope over.
A second note was hidden beneath the flap.
It contained an address.
Not the old house.
Not the boutique.
A bank.
Daniel arrived shortly afterward and examined the note.
His expression became serious.
“I know this place.””
“What is it?”” Nia asked.
“Your grandmother maintained a private document vault there. She told me about it years ago, but I never knew what she had placed inside.””
“Can we access it?””
Daniel read the address again.
old house.
Not the boutique.
A bank.
Daniel arrived shortly afterward and examined the note.
His expression became serious.
“I know this place.””
“What is it?”” Nia asked.
“Your grandmother maintained a private document vault there. She told me about it years ago, but I never knew what she had placed inside.””
“Can we access it?””
Daniel read the address again.
“If the trust is valid and the vault records are still active, the executor should be able to authorize access.””
Nia picked up her grandmother's photograph.
She felt that they were finally close to the truth.
Then her phone rang.
The caller ID showed Brianna.
Nia answered immediately.
“Brianna?””
Her stepsister was crying.
“N“If the trust is valid and the vault records are still active, the executor should be able to authorize access.””
Nia picked up her grandmother's photograph.
She felt that they were finally close to the truth.
Then her phone rang.
The caller ID showed Brianna.
Nia answered immediately.
“Brianna?””
Her stepsister was crying.
“Nia, you have to come to Vale House.””
“What happened?””
“Mom found out I took the documents.””
“Are you safe?””
“I locked myself in the design room.””
Nia stood.
“Call security.””
“I can't. Mom sent everyone home.””
Thereia, you have to come to Vale House.””
“What happened?””
“Mom found out I took the documents.””
“Are you safe?””
“I locked myself in the design room.””
Nia stood.
“Call security.””
“I can't. Mom sent everyone home.””
There was a loud crash on the other end.
Then Brianna whispered:
“She has the blue portfolio.””
Nia's stomach tightened.
“What?””
“She's burning the papers. I can smell smoke.””
Nia grabbed her coat.
“Get out of there!””
But Brianna's next words stopped her cold.
“There's was a loud crash on the other end.
Then Brianna whispered:
“She has the blue portfolio.””
Nia's stomach tightened.
“What?””
“She's burning the papers. I can smell smoke.””
Nia grabbed her coat.
“Get out of there!””
But Brianna's next words stopped her cold.
“There's one page she hasn't found. The original letter from Grandma is hidden inside the blue portfolio's back cover.””
A scream came through the phone.
Then the call disconnected.
Nia and Daniel reached Vale House within fifteen minutes.
Smoke was visible through the upstairs one page she hasn't found. The original letter from Grandma is hidden inside the blue portfolio's back cover.””
A scream came through the phone.
Then the call disconnected.
Nia and Daniel reached Vale House within fifteen minutes.
Smoke was visible through the upstairs windows.
A security alarm rang from somewhere inside the building.
Nia ran toward the entrance.
“Brianna!””
Daniel caught her arm.
“Wait. We need to let emergency services handle the fire.””
But Nia was already looking toward the second-floor window.
A figure appeared behind the glass.
Brianna.
She was windows.
A security alarm rang from somewhere inside the building.
Nia ran toward the entrance.
“Brianna!””
Daniel caught her arm.
“Wait. We need to let emergency services handle the fire.””
But Nia was already looking toward the second-floor window.
A figure appeared behind the glass.
Brianna.
She was waving both arms.
Then a second figure stepped into view.
Vanessa.
And she was holding a burning sheet of paper.
Nia stared.
Her mother looked directly at her through the glass.
For one terrible second, their eyes met.
Vanessa dropped the burning paper into a metal waste bin.
Then she pulled the blue portfolio out of a drawer.
Nia felt waving both arms.
Then a second figure stepped into view.
Vanessa.
And she was holding a burning sheet of paper.
Nia stared.
Her mother looked directly at her through the glass.
For one terrible second, their eyes met.
Vanessa dropped the burning paper into a metal waste bin.
Then she pulled the blue portfolio out of a drawer.
Nia felt her heart pound.
“No!””
She rushed toward the building as the first emergency vehicle turned onto the street.
Daniel shouted after her.
But Nia had already reached the front doors.
And somewhere inside, behind the smoke and the flashing emergency lights, was the one thing her grandmother had written for her alone.
The last letter.
The final proof.
And possibly the reason Vanessa was willing to destroy everything rather her heart pound.
“No!””
She rushed toward the building as the first emergency vehicle turned onto the street.
Daniel shouted after her.
But Nia had already reached the front doors.
And somewhere inside, behind the smoke and the flashing emergency lights, was the one thing her grandmother had written for her alone.
The last letter.
May you like
The final proof.
And possibly the reason Vanessa was willing to destroy everything rather than let her daughter read it.
