Almost no documented work existed. Messages and photographs suggested that Vanessa and Ryan had a private relationship she’d hidden from Daniel.

Linda warned me not to let the case become about the affair. “The financial records matter. The relationship explains motive, but our claims rest on unauthorized transactions and property.”

That distinction kept me grounded. The woman who wanted to turn my room into a study had sold my grandmother’s brooch to finance a secret life — and Daniel had defended her while treating me as the danger to his family.

Chapter 11 — The Boardroom

The confrontation happened in a Carter Heritage boardroom. Harold attended as former chairman and a significant remaining investor. Linda sat beside me.

The company’s outside attorney and an independent accountant were there too.

Daniel entered first, looking exhausted. Vanessa followed in a pale gray suit, carrying a leather handbag and the polished expression she wore at school fundraisers.