Chapter 3: The Price of Greed
Chapter 3: The Price of Greed
Vanessa's voice trembled.
"Ethan... I can explain."
"You should."
She hurried toward him.
"I was angry. I didn't mean those things."
"You meant every word."
Richard nodded toward Ethan's attorney.
A leather folder was placed on the table.
"For the past six weeks," the attorney said, "Miss Vanessa's communications have been legally documented."
Vanessa froze.
The ballroom lights dimmed as another recording played.
Her own voice filled the room.
"If he never walks again, the board will replace him."
Another recording.
"After the wedding I'll control everything."
Another.
"If he dies before signing the new trust... even better."
The silence became unbearable.
Her mother buried her face in her hands.
Uncle Martin looked away in shame.
Daniel, Ethan's closest friend, finally spoke.
"I never imagined you were capable of this."
Vanessa reached for Ethan's arm.
He stepped back.
"Don't."
Tears filled her eyes.
"You still love me."
"I loved the woman I thought you were."
He removed the engagement ring from his pocket.
"I don't know this woman."
The ring landed on the marble floor with a sharp metallic sound.
Security approached.
Richard spoke calmly.
"Escort Miss Vanessa and anyone involved in her scheme off my property."
She screamed his name as security led her toward the exit.
May you like
For the first time in her life...
No one came to save her.
