Chapter 8: The Last Letter From Her Grandmother
Nia held the photograph carefully.
Her grandmother looked frail in the hospital bed, but her eyes were open. She wore her favorite lavender cardigan, and her silver hair was arranged neatly around her face.
Vanessa stood beside her.
The document in her hand was partially visible.
Its heading read:
*DESIGN OWNERSHIP AND ARCHIVE TRANSFER.*
Nia stared at itil in the hospital bed, but her eyes were open. She wore her favorite lavender cardigan, and her silver hair was arranged neatly around her face.
Vanessa stood beside her.
The document in her hand was partially visible.
Its heading read:
*DESIGN OWNERSHIP AND ARCHIVE TRANSFER.*
Nia stared at it.
“Why were you at Grandma's hospital room with this document?””
Vanessa looked toward Daniel's attorney.
“This photograph proves nothing.””
“Then explain it,” Nia said.
“Your grandmother was very ill. We were discussing business matters.””
“Business matters?””
Vanessa crossed her arms.
“She wanted to make sure Vale House could.
“Why were you at Grandma's hospital room with this document?””
Vanessa looked toward Daniel's attorney.
“This photograph proves nothing.””
“Then explain it,” Nia said.
“Your grandmother was very ill. We were discussing business matters.””
“Business matters?””
Vanessa crossed her arms.
“She wanted to make sure Vale House could continue operating.””
“Then why does the letter say she never signed away her designs?””
“Because she was confused near the end.””
Nia felt her throat tighten.
“Don't.””
Vanessa blinked.
“Don't what?””
“Don't use her illness to make another excuse.””
For several seconds, Vanessa continue operating.””
“Then why does the letter say she never signed away her designs?””
“Because she was confused near the end.””
Nia felt her throat tighten.
“Don't.””
Vanessa blinked.
“Don't what?””
“Don't use her illness to make another excuse.””
For several seconds, Vanessa looked almost offended.
Then she picked up her handbag.
“This conversation is over.””
Daniel's attorney stepped forward.
“Mrs. Vale, we strongly recommend that you leave the portfolio and all associated documents exactly where they are.””
Vanessa looked at him.
“You have no authority over me.””
“We have notified the relevant parties about the disputed documents. Any attempted removal or alteration could seriously looked almost offended.
Then she picked up her handbag.
“This conversation is over.””
Daniel's attorney stepped forward.
“Mrs. Vale, we strongly recommend that you leave the portfolio and all associated documents exactly where they are.””
Vanessa looked at him.
“You have no authority over me.””
“We have notified the relevant parties about the disputed documents. Any attempted removal or alteration could seriously complicate your legal position.””
Vanessa looked at Nia.
“You really want to do this to your own mother?””
Nia met her eyes.
“You did it to Grandma first.””
Vanessa's jaw tightened.
Then she walked out.
Brianna remained beside the desk.
She watched her mother disappear down the corridor.
“I complicate your legal position.””
Vanessa looked at Nia.
“You really want to do this to your own mother?””
Nia met her eyes.
“You did it to Grandma first.””
Vanessa's jaw tightened.
Then she walked out.
Brianna remained beside the desk.
She watched her mother disappear down the corridor.
“I think she's going to destroy everything,” she whispered.
Daniel's attorney closed the leather case containing the documents.
“Then we'll think she's going to destroy everything,” she whispered.
Daniel's attorney closed the leather case containing the documents.
“Then we'll make sure she doesn't get the opportunity.””
The following morning, Daniel arranged for an independent forensic document examiner to review the transfer papers.
Her name was Patricia Shaw.
She had spent more than twenty years examining questioned signatures and disputed business records.
She arrived at Collins Alterations carrying a hard-sided case and a portable scanning make sure she doesn't get the opportunity.””
The following morning, Daniel arranged for an independent forensic document examiner to review the transfer papers.
Her name was Patricia Shaw.
She had spent more than twenty years examining questioned signatures and disputed business records.
She arrived at Collins Alterations carrying a hard-sided case and a portable scanning unit.
Nia placed the documents on the table.
“Can you tell whether the signature is real?””
Patricia examined the pages through a magnifying lens.
“I can tell you whether it shows characteristics consistent with the verified samples. But I won't unit.
Nia placed the documents on the table.
“Can you tell whether the signature is real?””
Patricia examined the pages through a magnifying lens.
“I can tell you whether it shows characteristics consistent with the verified samples. But I won't give you a conclusion until I've completed the comparison.””
Nia nodded.
Patricia opened the folder containing genuine examples of her grandmother's handwriting.
There were letters, old sketches, birthday cards, and signed receipts.
She compared the shapes of individual letters, the spacing, pressure, and movement of the pen.
Daniel watched quietly.
Bri give you a conclusion until I've completed the comparison.””
Nia nodded.
Patricia opened the folder containing genuine examples of her grandmother's handwriting.
There were letters, old sketches, birthday cards, and signed receipts.
She compared the shapes of individual letters, the spacing, pressure, and movement of the pen.
Daniel watched quietly.
Brianna sat near the window, her hands clasped.
After nearly an hour, Patricia looked up.
“I see some irregularities.””
Nia leaned forward.
“What kind?””
“The signature on the transfer document appears unusually slow and hesitant. The verified samples show more naturalanna sat near the window, her hands clasped.
After nearly an hour, Patricia looked up.
“I see some irregularities.””
Nia leaned forward.
“What kind?””
“The signature on the transfer document appears unusually slow and hesitant. The verified samples show more natural movement.””
“Could it have been written by someone else?””
“Possibly. There are enough differences to justify further examination.””
She examined another page.
“And this is more concerning.””
“What?””
“The date and the ink.””
Patricia pointed to the signature area.
“The signature appears to have been movement.””
“Could it have been written by someone else?””
“Possibly. There are enough differences to justify further examination.””
She examined another page.
“And this is more concerning.””
“What?””
“The date and the ink.””
Patricia pointed to the signature area.
“The signature appears to have been added separately from the original document text. We should examine the paper under additional lighting, but the sequence of writing may not match the date shown on the agreement added separately from the original document text. We should examine the paper under additional lighting, but the sequence of writing may not match the date shown on the agreement.””
Daniel exchanged a glance with his attorney.
“So someone may have added the signature later?””
“That's one possibility.””
Nia looked at Brianna.
Her stepsister had.””
Daniel exchanged a glance with his attorney.
“So someone may have added the signature later?””
“That's one possibility.””
Nia looked at Brianna.
Her stepsister had gone completely still.
Patricia continued.
“I'd also like to review the original transfer document, not just a scanned copy. That will help establish whether there have been alterations.””
Daniel nodded.
gone completely still.
Patricia continued.
“I'd also like to review the original transfer document, not just a scanned copy. That will help establish whether there have been alterations.””
Daniel nodded.
“We'll arrange that.””
Nia looked down at her grandmother's handwriting.
A strange feeling settled inside her.
She had spent years believing that losing her grandmother meant losing the person who had understood her best.
Now, years later, the woman was still protecting her.
Through letters.
Through sketches.
Through the smallest details she had carefully preserved.
That afternoon, Nia received a formal invitation from the Bellamy Fashion House.
The judging panel had completed its preliminary examination of her design.
They wanted her to attend a private review meeting.
The meeting would also address the disputed sapphire gown.
Daniel encouraged her to go.
“This is important,” he said.
“What if they decide I“We'll arrange that.””
Nia looked down at her grandmother's handwriting.
A strange feeling settled inside her.
She had spent years believing that losing her grandmother meant losing the person who had understood her best.
Now, years later, the woman was still protecting her.
Through letters.
Through sketches.
Through the smallest details she had carefully preserved.
That afternoon, Nia received a formal invitation from the Bellamy Fashion House.
The judging panel had completed its preliminary examination of her design.
They wanted her to attend a private review meeting.
The meeting would also address the disputed sapphire gown.
Daniel encouraged her to go.
“This is important,” he said.
“What if they decide I can't compete?””
“Then we'll deal with it. But you deserve the chance to present your work.””
Mrs. Collins adjusted the collar of Nia's black jacket.
“Remember, the dress speaks for itself.””
Nia smiled.
“Grandma used to say that.””
can't compete?””
“Then we'll deal with it. But you deserve the chance to present your work.””
Mrs. Collins adjusted the collar of Nia's black jacket.
“Remember, the dress speaks for itself.””
Nia smiled.
“Grandma used to say that.””
“Then she was right.””
The private review was held in the same conference room where Nia had first met Richard Bellamy.
The judges were seated around the long table.
Richard stood near the window.
Brianna and Vanessa had been summoned separately.
Vanessa arrived with her attorney, carrying a thick folder.
Brianna arrived alone.
N“Then she was right.””
The private review was held in the same conference room where Nia had first met Richard Bellamy.
The judges were seated around the long table.
Richard stood near the window.
Brianna and Vanessa had been summoned separately.
Vanessa arrived with her attorney, carrying a thick folder.
Brianna arrived alone.
Nia sat beside Daniel and his lawyer.
Richard opened the meeting.
“We are here to examine several matters concerning the ownership of the sapphire gown and the originality of the submitted collection.””
Vanessa immediately spoke.
“I'd like to clarify that Vale House has always maintained the right to use designs created within its business.””
Richard nodded.
“Then we'll need the original employment agreement.””
Vanessa opened her folder.
She producedia sat beside Daniel and his lawyer.
Richard opened the meeting.
“We are here to examine several matters concerning the ownership of the sapphire gown and the originality of the submitted collection.””
Vanessa immediately spoke.
“I'd like to clarify that Vale House has always maintained the right to use designs created within its business.””
Richard nodded.
“Then we'll need the original employment agreement.””
Vanessa opened her folder.
She produced a document bearing Nia's signature.
“This agreement was signed three years ago.””
Nia looked at the signature.
It was hers.
Her stomach tightened.
Vanessa slid the document across the table.
“ a document bearing Nia's signature.
“This agreement was signed three years ago.””
Nia looked at the signature.
It was hers.
Her stomach tightened.
Vanessa slid the document across the table.
“Every design produced by Nia during her employment belonged to Vale House. Brianna's use of the sapphire gown was therefore authorized.””
Nia stared at the page.
“I never saw that clause.””
Vanessa looked at her.
“You signed it.””
“I was told it was an employee registration form.””
“That's your recollection. This is the document.””
Daniel'sEvery design produced by Nia during her employment belonged to Vale House. Brianna's use of the sapphire gown was therefore authorized.””
Nia stared at the page.
“I never saw that clause.””
Vanessa looked at her.
“You signed it.””
“I was told it was an employee registration form.””
“That's your recollection. This is the document.””
Daniel's attorney examined the page.
“We'll need the original, including every page and attachment.””
Vanessa smiled faintly.
“Of course.””
Richard turned toward Nia.
“Do you dispute the signature?””
“No. I dispute what I was told I was signing.””
Richard nodded.
“We'll record that distinction.””
Chloe's testimony was presented next.
She appeared by video from the boutique's staff attorney examined the page.
“We'll need the original, including every page and attachment.””
Vanessa smiled faintly.
“Of course.””
Richard turned toward Nia.
“Do you dispute the signature?””
“No. I dispute what I was told I was signing.””
Richard nodded.
“We'll record that distinction.””
Chloe's testimony was presented next.
She appeared by video from the boutique's staff room.
Her voice shook at first.
But once she began explaining what happened in the fitting room, her confidence grew.
“I saw Nia working on the sapphire gown for weeks,” Chloe said.
“She brought the fabric herself. She designed the bodice and chose every crystal.””
Richard leaned forward.
“Did you ever see room.
Her voice shook at first.
But once she began explaining what happened in the fitting room, her confidence grew.
“I saw Nia working on the sapphire gown for weeks,” Chloe said.
“She brought the fabric herself. She designed the bodice and chose every crystal.””
Richard leaned forward.
“Did you ever see Brianna working on the gown?””
“No.””
“Did you see her create any of the sketches?””
“No.””
Vanessa's attorney interrupted.
“Were you employed by Nia or Vale House?””
“Vale House.””
“Did Nia pay your salary?””
“No.””
“Then why should the panel accept your testimony over Mrs. Vale's?””
Chloe swallowed.
“Because Brianna working on the gown?””
“No.””
“Did you see her create any of the sketches?””
“No.””
Vanessa's attorney interrupted.
“Were you employed by Nia or Vale House?””
“Vale House.””
“Did Nia pay your salary?””
“No.””
“Then why should the panel accept your testimony over Mrs. Vale's?””
Chloe swallowed.
“Because I watched what happened.””
The attorney raised his eyebrows.
“Isn't it possible you're simply taking Nia's side?””
Chloe's expression hardened.
“Mrs. Vale told me to cut Nia's name out of the gown. I kept the label because I knew it was wrong.””
She held up the original label.
Richard asked I watched what happened.””
The attorney raised his eyebrows.
“Isn't it possible you're simply taking Nia's side?””
Chloe's expression hardened.
“Mrs. Vale told me to cut Nia's name out of the gown. I kept the label because I knew it was wrong.””
She held up the original label.
Richard asked that it be added to the evidence record.
Vanessa looked down at her folder.
Brianna stared at the table.
Then Richard called Brianna.
She walked to the front of the room.
For a moment, she looked toward Vanessa.
Her mother gave her a small nod.
Brianna swallowed.
“Ms. Vale,” Richard began, “did you create the that it be added to the evidence record.
Vanessa looked down at her folder.
Brianna stared at the table.
Then Richard called Brianna.
She walked to the front of the room.
For a moment, she looked toward Vanessa.
Her mother gave her a small nod.
Brianna swallowed.
“Ms. Vale,” Richard began, “did you create the sapphire gown?””
Brianna's lips parted.
“Yes.””
Nia looked at her.
Daniel lowered his eyes.
Even after everything, hearing the lie again hurt.
Richard waited.
“Can you describe how the bodice sapphire gown?””
Brianna's lips parted.
“Yes.””
Nia looked at her.
Daniel lowered his eyes.
Even after everything, hearing the lie again hurt.
Richard waited.
“Can you describe how the bodice was constructed?””
Brianna hesitated.
“The fabric was reinforced with internal structure.””
“What type?””
“Silk.””
“Was the boning spiral steel or plastic?””
Brianna blinked.
“I don't remember.””
“Which crystal setting technique did you use along the neckline?””
Brianna looked at Vanessa.
Then she looked at the judges.
“I didn't make was constructed?””
Brianna hesitated.
“The fabric was reinforced with internal structure.””
“What type?””
“Silk.””
“Was the boning spiral steel or plastic?””
Brianna blinked.
“I don't remember.””
“Which crystal setting technique did you use along the neckline?””
Brianna looked at Vanessa.
Then she looked at the judges.
“I didn't make the gown.””
Vanessa stood abruptly.
“Brianna!””
Richard raised his hand.
“Please remain seated, Mrs. Vale.””
Brianna's voice trembled.
“I knew Nia made it. I watched her design it, and I knew the work was hers. Mom told me to present it as mine because she said the family owned the gown.””
Vanessa stood abruptly.
“Brianna!””
Richard raised his hand.
“Please remain seated, Mrs. Vale.””
Brianna's voice trembled.
“I knew Nia made it. I watched her design it, and I knew the work was hers. Mom told me to present it as mine because she said the family owned the design.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“She's lying.””
Brianna continued.
“She told me the sketches would be changed before submission. She told Chloe to remove the label. And she told me to say I had made the gown.””
Richard leaned forward.
the design.””
Vanessa shook her head.
“She's lying.””
Brianna continued.
“She told me the sketches would be changed before submission. She told Chloe to remove the label. And she told me to say I had made the gown.””
Richard leaned forward.
“Did you agree?””
Brianna nodded.
“Yes.””
“Why?””
Brianna's eyes filled.
“Because I wanted to win.””
The room was silent.
She looked toward Nia.
“I was jealous of her. I knew she was better at designing than I was. And I thought if I won, people would finally see me as talented.””
Nia didn't respond.
Brianna lowered her head.
“I'm sorry.””
Vanessa stood again.
“This is“Did you agree?””
Brianna nodded.
“Yes.””
“Why?””
Brianna's eyes filled.
“Because I wanted to win.””
The room was silent.
She looked toward Nia.
“I was jealous of her. I knew she was better at designing than I was. And I thought if I won, people would finally see me as talented.””
Nia didn't respond.
Brianna lowered her head.
“I'm sorry.””
Vanessa stood again.
“This is absurd. My daughter is emotionally distressed. She doesn't understand the implications of what she's saying.””
Brianna turned toward her mother.
“No, Mom. I understand them perfectly now.””
Richard called for a short recess.
The panel moved into the adjoining room.
Nia stood near the window, watching people cross the courtyard below absurd. My daughter is emotionally distressed. She doesn't understand the implications of what she's saying.””
Brianna turned toward her mother.
“No, Mom. I understand them perfectly now.””
Richard called for a short recess.
The panel moved into the adjoining room.
Nia stood near the window, watching people cross the courtyard below.
Brianna approached.
“I know you don't believe me.””
Nia looked at her.
“I believe you know what you did.””
Brianna nodded.
“I don't expect you to forgive me.””
“Good.””
Brianna looked down.
“I just wanted to tell you something. Mom has been keeping a second copy of Grandma's archive.””
“Where?””
“In.
Brianna approached.
“I know you don't believe me.””
Nia looked at her.
“I believe you know what you did.””
Brianna nodded.
“I don't expect you to forgive me.””
“Good.””
Brianna looked down.
“I just wanted to tell you something. Mom has been keeping a second copy of Grandma's archive.””
“Where?””
“In the old house.””
Nia turned sharply.
“Which house?””
“Grandma's.””
Nia stared.
“Why didn't you tell Daniel?””
“I didn't know the whole story until last night. Mom the old house.””
Nia turned sharply.
“Which house?””
“Grandma's.””
Nia stared.
“Why didn't you tell Daniel?””
“I didn't know the whole story until last night. Mom used to visit the house whenever she thought no one was watching.””
“Do you know what she's doing there?””
Brianna shook her head.
“But I heard her on the phone. She was talking to someone about moving the remaining sketches before the weekend.””
Nia looked toward Daniel.
He was still speaking with his attorney.
“What else did you used to visit the house whenever she thought no one was watching.””
“Do you know what she's doing there?””
Brianna shook her head.
“But I heard her on the phone. She was talking to someone about moving the remaining sketches before the weekend.””
Nia looked toward Daniel.
He was still speaking with his attorney.
“What else did you hear?””
Brianna hesitated.
“She said there was a second letter.””
“A second letter?””
“Yes. One Mom didn't want anyone to find.””
Nia felt her pulse accelerate.
“Did she say where it was?””
Brianna nodded.
“In Grandma's old sewing room.””
Nia looked at her.
The place where her grandmother had taught her to sew.
hear?””
Brianna hesitated.
“She said there was a second letter.””
“A second letter?””
“Yes. One Mom didn't want anyone to find.””
Nia felt her pulse accelerate.
“Did she say where it was?””
Brianna nodded.
“In Grandma's old sewing room.””
Nia looked at her.
The place where her grandmother had taught her to sew.
The final piece of the inheritance.
The location mentioned in the letter.
She understood now.
The blue portfolio had only been the first part.
When the judges returned, Richard announced that Brianna's submission would be disqualified pending the completion of the authorsThe final piece of the inheritance.
The location mentioned in the letter.
She understood now.
The blue portfolio had only been the first part.
When the judges returned, Richard announced that Brianna's submission would be disqualified pending the completion of the authorship investigation.
He also confirmed that Nia's new gown would proceed to the final scoring.
Vanessa's face turned rigid.
“You cannot make that decision based on one emotional statement.””
Richard looked at her.
“The decision is based on the combinedhip investigation.
He also confirmed that Nia's new gown would proceed to the final scoring.
Vanessa's face turned rigid.
“You cannot make that decision based on one emotional statement.””
Richard looked at her.
“The decision is based on the combined evidence, including original design records, construction photographs, witness testimony, and the discrepancies in your submission.””
Vanessa closed her folder.
“This isn't over.””
Nia watched her mother walk toward the door.
But just before Vanessa left, she stopped beside Nia's chair.
“You think you've finally beaten me.””
Nia looked up.
“No.””
Van evidence, including original design records, construction photographs, witness testimony, and the discrepancies in your submission.””
Vanessa closed her folder.
“This isn't over.””
Nia watched her mother walk toward the door.
But just before Vanessa left, she stopped beside Nia's chair.
“You think you've finally beaten me.””
Nia looked up.
“No.””
Vanessa leaned closer.
“You should be careful. Your grandmother wasn't the innocent woman you think she was.””
Nia froze.
“What are you talking about?””
Vanessa smiled without warmth.
“You have no idea what she did to keep this family togetheressa leaned closer.
“You should be careful. Your grandmother wasn't the innocent woman you think she was.””
Nia froze.
“What are you talking about?””
Vanessa smiled without warmth.
“You have no idea what she did to keep this family together.””
Then she walked out.
That evening, Nia and Daniel drove toward her grandmother's old house.
It stood at the edge of a quiet residential street, behind a white wooden fence and a garden that had become overgrown during the years it remained empty.
Nia hadn't been there since the funeral.
She remembered the front porch, the jasmine climbing along the railing, and the little bell that rang whenever someone opened the door.
Daniel parked.””
Then she walked out.
That evening, Nia and Daniel drove toward her grandmother's old house.
It stood at the edge of a quiet residential street, behind a white wooden fence and a garden that had become overgrown during the years it remained empty.
Nia hadn't been there since the funeral.
She remembered the front porch, the jasmine climbing along the railing, and the little bell that rang whenever someone opened the door.
Daniel parked near the gate.
“Are you sure you want to do this tonight?””
Nia nodded.
“Grandma left something for me here.””
They walked toward the house.
The key was still hidden beneath near the gate.
“Are you sure you want to do this tonight?””
Nia nodded.
“Grandma left something for me here.””
They walked toward the house.
The key was still hidden beneath the loose stone near the porch.
Nia found it exactly where she remembered.
The door opened with a soft creak.
Inside, the air smelled of dust and old cedar.
Furniture remained covered with white sheets.
Photographs lined the hallway.
Nia stopped in front of one.
It showed her at the loose stone near the porch.
Nia found it exactly where she remembered.
The door opened with a soft creak.
Inside, the air smelled of dust and old cedar.
Furniture remained covered with white sheets.
Photographs lined the hallway.
Nia stopped in front of one.
It showed her at seven years old, sitting at her grandmother's sewing table with a piece of pink fabric in her lap.
Her grandmother was laughing.
Nia touched the seven years old, sitting at her grandmother's sewing table with a piece of pink fabric in her lap.
Her grandmother was laughing.
Nia touched the photograph.
“I remember this day.””
Daniel smiled.
“Then let's see what else you remember.””
They walked toward the small sewing room at the back.
The room was almost untouched.
A wooden sewing machine stood beside the window. Drawers lined the wall, and a faded pink curtain hung above the photograph.
“I remember this day.””
Daniel smiled.
“Then let's see what else you remember.””
They walked toward the small sewing room at the back.
The room was almost untouched.
A wooden sewing machine stood beside the window. Drawers lined the wall, and a faded pink curtain hung above the worktable.
Nia approached the desk.
She remembered learning to thread a needle there.
She remembered falling asleep under the table during rainy afternoons.
And she remembered a small wooden compartment beneath the tabletop.
She pulled at the edge.
It didn't move.
Daniel examined the desk.
“There's a lock.””
Nia reached into her pocket and removed the silver key from her grandmother's envelope.
It fit.
The compartment clicked open.
Inside lay a second envelope worktable.
Nia approached the desk.
She remembered learning to thread a needle there.
She remembered falling asleep under the table during rainy afternoons.
And she remembered a small wooden compartment beneath the tabletop.
She pulled at the edge.
It didn't move.
Daniel examined the desk.
“There's a lock.””
Nia reached into her pocket and removed the silver key from her grandmother's envelope.
It fit.
The compartment clicked open.
Inside lay a second envelope, a small recorder, and a folded legal document.
The envelope was addressed to Nia.
The recorder had a label.
*PLAY THIS WHEN YOU KNOW THE TRUTH.*
Nia's hands began to shake.
She opened the envelope first.
Inside was a photograph of her grandmother standing beside Vanessa, much younger.
They were holding a blue portfolio.
On the back, her grandmother had written:
*The day Vanessa promised she, a small recorder, and a folded legal document.
The envelope was addressed to Nia.
The recorder had a label.
*PLAY THIS WHEN YOU KNOW THE TRUTH.*
Nia's hands began to shake.
She opened the envelope first.
Inside was a photograph of her grandmother standing beside Vanessa, much younger.
They were holding a blue portfolio.
On the back, her grandmother had written:
The day Vanessa promised she would protect my granddaughter.
Nia looked at the document beneath it.
It was a signed declaration of ownership.
But there was another name on the page.
A name she had never expected to see.
*Nia Vale — Sole Beneficiary and Creative Successor of Vale House Holdings.*
Nia stared.
“Daniel?””
He leaned would protect my granddaughter.*
Nia looked at the document beneath it.
It was a signed declaration of ownership.
But there was another name on the page.
A name she had never expected to see.
*Nia Vale — Sole Beneficiary and Creative Successor of Vale House Holdings.*
Nia stared.
“Daniel?””
He leaned closer.
His expression changed.
“This isn't just an archive agreement.””
“What is it?””
He read the heading.
“Your grandmother established a trust.””
Nia looked at him.
“What kind of trust?””
Daniel carefully turned the page.
“A controlling ownership trust closer.
His expression changed.
“This isn't just an archive agreement.””
“What is it?””
He read the heading.
“Your grandmother established a trust.””
Nia looked at him.
“What kind of trust?””
Daniel carefully turned the page.
“A controlling ownership trust.””
Nia's breath caught.
Her grandmother hadn't merely left her a collection.
She had left her something much bigger.
And Vanessa might have known it all along.
.””
Nia's breath caught.
Her grandmother hadn't merely left her a collection.
May you like
She had left her something much bigger.
And Vanessa might have known it all along.
