Chapter 5 - Seventy-Eight Million
The transfer had not gone to Vanessa personally.
That would have been easier.
It went from a DeLuca Hospitality development account to a private investment vehicle called Bell River Partners.
Marcello had never heard of it.
Vanessa said:
“It’s a legitimate property fund.”
Attorney Daniel Price pulled up the ownership records.
“Forty percent is controlled by Bellini Strategic Holdings.”
Marcello looked at Vanessa.
“Your company.”
“My father’s company.”
“Same family.”
Lucia whispered:
“Seventy-eight million dollars?”
“It was an investment Luca wanted.”
“Luca is dead.”
“He discussed it before he died.”
“Show me.”
Marcello called the bank.
The transfer had entered a review window and could still be paused.
He ordered it frozen pending board investigation.
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
“You can’t do that alone.”
Daniel answered:
“He can if your temporary voting authority was obtained through material misrepresentation.”
Vanessa’s face hardened.
“You have no proof the baby is gone.”
“There are fake stomachs upstairs.”
“That proves nothing medical.”
She was right about one thing.
Marcello requested an emergency independent review of the trust certification.
Vanessa called her attorney.
Lucia sat by the fireplace, shattered.
Then Lily wandered in carrying her stuffed rabbit and a folded piece of paper.
“Mommy.”
“What did you find?”
“Under belly.”
The paper had been beneath the prosthetic on the bench.
It was a hotel receipt from six weeks earlier.
Suite 1704.
Registered guest:
DR. CAMILLE ROSS.
“The obstetrician who signed Vanessa’s pregnancy verification.”
Vanessa crossed the room.
“Give me that.”
“Why was your doctor staying in my hotel under a private reservation?”
“She was at a conference.”
Daniel was already searching.
“No conference.”
Elena noticed a handwritten note on the bottom of the receipt.
V — NEXT CERTIFICATE MUST MATCH WEEK 32. DO NOT USE HOSPITAL LETTERHEAD.
Lucia read it over Marcello’s shoulder.
Then she looked at Vanessa.
“You brought that woman into my house.”
Vanessa whispered:
“You don’t understand.”
May you like
Lucia’s voice broke.
“No. I understand exactly enough.”
