Chapter 9 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
I called Vanessa and invited her to lunch.
She accepted immediately.
We met at a quiet restaurant near the park, where we'd celebrated birthdays, graduations, and countless family milestones.
She arrived wearing a cream-colored coat and carrying the expensive handbag I'd once complimented without knowing how much resentment she carried toward me.
I placed my phone face down on the table.
"How's Daniel?"
"Busy, as always."
"And Eliam?"
Her eyes flickered.
"Why are you asking about him?"
"Because I know about the loan application."
The color drained from her face.
For a moment, she looked genuinely frightened.
Then she leaned closer.
"You don't understand what Daniel is trying to do."
"Then help me understand."
She stared at the window.
Daniel had lost money through a series of risky investments. When creditors began demanding repayment, he concealed the extent of the losses from Vanessa.
He promised that one successful acquisition would solve everything.
He also told her that my trust could be used as a temporary financial bridge.
She claimed she believed I would approve once I saw the projected returns.
"Did you know someone forged my signature?" I asked.
Her eyes filled with tears.
"I didn't sign it."
"That wasn't my question."
She covered her mouth.
"I knew Daniel was arranging the paperwork. I didn't ask how."
I felt sick.
She hadn't needed to hold the pen to know something was wrong.
"Why did you agree to meet Eliam secretly?"
"Because Daniel said you would never listen if you thought he was involved."
"And the envelope?"
"Documents. He wanted Eliam to sign a guarantee."
I took a breath.
"Vanessa, what did Dad tell you about the trust?"
Her expression shifted.
"He told me you were the beneficiary."
"Only that?"
She shook her head slowly.
"Before he died, he said he wanted you to have a choice. He said money shouldn't become a weapon inside our family."
I looked at my sister.
"Then why did you help Daniel turn it into one?"
She began to cry.
For a moment, I saw the little girl who used to crawl into my bed during thunderstorms.
May you like
Then she whispered something that shattered the last of my certainty.
"Because Daniel told me Dad had promised me half."
