Chapter 14 - THE BOARDROOM TRAP
Julian picked up the pen.
In the next room, Cesare whispered, "Don't."
The detective raised a hand. They needed Vanessa talking.
Julian uncapped the pen and looked at the confession.
"If I sign this, Ethan walks?"
"Ethan is an idiot," Vanessa said. "He'll take whatever deal they offer."
"And your mother?"
"Collateral damage."
Julian recoiled.
"Don't look at me like that. Your family built an empire by taking advantage of weak people. I'm simply better at it."
"You threatened Rosa's son."
Vanessa stopped smiling.
"Who told you?"
That was enough.
The detectives entered.
"Vanessa Cole, don't move."
She threw the table into Julian, grabbed the backpack, and ran for the connecting balcony. Cesare entered as she jumped to the next suite and disappeared inside.
By the time officers reached the corridor, the service elevator doors were closing.
Vanessa was gone.
But she had dropped Emily's envelope.
Julian picked it up with shaking hands.
Inside was only a photocopy.
He read the first paragraph.
Julian, if you're reading this, then I hope you've finally understood that grief does not excuse cruelty.
His eyes filled.
The next line broke him.
Our daughter will spend her whole childhood learning what love looks like from the choices you make after I am gone.
Julian sat on the edge of the bed.
Cesare said nothing.
The detective's phone rang.
He listened, then looked at them.
"Vanessa just entered Bellini headquarters."
Marta frowned. "Why would she go there?"
Cesare checked the time.
12:38 p.m.
May you like
The emergency board session had been moved up.
It started at one.
