Chapter 13 - THE ENGAGEMENT DINNER
Eleanor proposed a counterplan.
Daniel would pretend to cooperate.
The engagement dinner scheduled for the following night would proceed.
Walter believed Daniel still wanted to protect the company from scandal.
Vanessa believed Daniel remained emotionally vulnerable.
They would expect secrecy.
Instead, Eleanor invited the full board, major investors, company attorneys, and Detective Bennett’s federal contacts.
The mansion ballroom was prepared as though nothing had happened.
Flowers filled the tables.
A string quartet played near the windows.
Guests whispered about Vanessa’s absence.
Daniel stood beneath the chandelier wearing the tuxedo selected for his engagement announcement.
Eleanor wore silver.
The uniform and wig were locked in an evidence box.
At eight o’clock, the ballroom screens activated.
Vanessa appeared from the warehouse.
She held the hammer beside Richard’s desk.
“Daniel, come to me now.”
Daniel faced the guests.
“Everyone in this room deserves to understand why tonight is not an engagement celebration.”
He began with the failed transfer.
Then he revealed the forged trust agreement.
He introduced Rosa, Marcus, and Helen.
Each described what Vanessa had done.
Several board members looked toward the doors.
Federal agents closed them.
No one was allowed to leave until identity checks were completed.
Daniel held up the authentication device.
“Vanessa wants this.”
“But she is not the only person who needs it.”
The ballroom doors opened.
Gregory entered in a wheelchair with two officers beside him.
He had regained consciousness.
His first statement identified Walter Kane as the man who ordered Richard’s plane sabotaged.
Gregory admitted helping hide vendor fraud as a young employee.
He claimed Walter threatened his family and later used the secret to control him.
“I approved Vanessa’s background firm,” Gregory said.
“I knew Walter was preparing something.”
“Why didn’t you warn me?” Daniel asked.
“Cowardice.”
The word echoed through the room.
Gregory gave Detective Bennett a list of Walter’s hidden accounts.
One account had transferred money to Adrian that morning.
The ballroom screens flickered.
Vanessa turned toward someone off camera.
A shout followed.
The hammer dropped.
Adrian stepped into view and seized her by the hair.
“You were supposed to keep him obedient,” he said.
Then Walter appeared.
May you like
“Bring me the device, Daniel.”
“Or Vanessa dies with your father’s desk.”
