Chapter 11 - The Last Thing Vanessa Needed
Adrian ordered every transaction frozen.
Vanessa responded immediately.
She arrived at the estate carrying a document.
“This ends tonight.”
Adrian looked at it.
“What is it?”
“A foundation transfer.”
Frank stood.
“You don't have authority.”
Vanessa smiled.
“Not yet.”
She revealed that several board members had already signed preliminary agreements based on the promises she had made.
If the foundation stopped funding them, the Morello name would be damaged publicly.
She had created a trap.
Adrian could expose her and risk humiliating the family.
Or stay silent and let her gain control.
Vanessa looked at Emily.
“This started because of her.”
Emily stared back.
“No. It started because you thought everyone would be too afraid to say no.”
Vanessa laughed.
“You think one pie makes you brave?”
“No.”
Emily stepped forward.
“I think saying no when everyone else is scared makes me brave.”
Frank smiled.
Adrian looked at Emily.
Then he turned to Vanessa.
“You made one mistake.”
“What?”
“You thought I cared more about looking powerful than doing what was right.”
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
Adrian picked up the document.
“We're going to tell them everything.”
Vanessa's face went white.
“You can't.”
“I can.”
“And if the board turns against you?”
Adrian looked at Frank.
May you like
“Then we rebuild.”
For the first time, Vanessa looked genuinely frightened.
