Chapter 6 - What Daniel Refused to BelieveMelissa Grant arrived at eight the next morning.
She had represented Whitmore Development for seven years but had never been close enough to the family to confuse loyalty with friendship.
Daniel showed her the access records.
The video.
The adhesive strip.
Then told her what Caleb said.
Melissa remained quiet for a long time.
Finally, she asked, "What do you actually know?"
"My wife may be faking her pregnancy."
"No. That's what you suspect."
Daniel exhaled.
"What do I know?"
"You know Richard entered your house during the party and removed a case from an upstairs service corridor."
"Yes."
"You know Vanessa accessed the nursery shortly before the boy says he saw something."
"Yes."
"You know there are unexplained inconsistencies in her medical appointments."
"Yes."
Melissa closed the folder.
"Then investigate what you're legally entitled to investigate. Your property. Your company. Your own financial accounts."
"And Vanessa?"
"Do not hack her email. Do not obtain medical records fraudulently. Do not follow her into doctors' offices. If this becomes litigation, stupidity now will cost you later."
Daniel nodded.
She continued.
"You also mentioned an audit."
Daniel pulled up the file.
Four months earlier, Whitmore Development's controller had flagged unusual payments to three consulting companies connected to redevelopment projects.
Daniel had authorized a deeper review.
Two days later, Vanessa had suffered what she described as severe cramping.
She told him stress was dangerous.
Daniel suspended the review.
Melissa studied the dates.
"Who recommended stopping it?"
"Vanessa."
"Who benefited?"
Daniel looked at the screen.
"Richard controlled the finance team."
Melissa nodded.
"Then start there."
By afternoon, an independent forensic accounting firm had been retained quietly.
No internal finance employee was informed.
Vanessa sensed something anyway.
She entered Daniel's office near sunset.
"Why was Melissa here?"
"Legal work."
"What kind?"
"Company."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Richard said you've requested archived vendor files."
Daniel looked up.
"Richard shouldn't be monitoring my requests."
"He's CFO."
"Exactly."
Vanessa folded her arms.
Her pregnancy showed prominently beneath a cream sweater.
Daniel stared at it despite himself.
She noticed.
"Stop looking at me like that."
"Then tell me the truth."
"I have."
"Did Richard take something out of this house the night of the party?"
Vanessa's lips parted.
Too slowly.
"I don't know."
"That's not an answer."
"Then ask Richard."
"I will."
For the first time, fear appeared.
"Daniel, whatever you're doing, don't embarrass us."
"Us?"
"Our family."
He stood.
"You keep saying family whenever I ask about facts."
"Because facts don't exist without consequences."
Daniel moved closer.
"Did you ask me to stop that audit because of the baby?"
"Yes."
"Was there another reason?"
"No."
"Look at me and say it."
Vanessa did.
"No."
Daniel almost believed her.
Then his phone buzzed.
A message from Melissa.
First irregularity confirmed. $740,000 paid to vendor with no employees, no office, no deliverables. Richard approved it.
Daniel looked at Vanessa.
"Go upstairs."
"What?"
"I need to work."
"Daniel—"
"Please."
She left.
He waited until the door closed.
Then another message arrived.
Vendor registration lists mailing address connected to a holding company. Beneficial owner appears to be Vanessa Whitmore. Need verification.
Daniel read it twice.
Then a third time.
Upstairs, Vanessa entered her dressing room and locked the door.
She called Richard.
"He found the accounts."
Richard's voice was cold.
"Then you have one choice."
"What?"
"Tell him about the baby."
Vanessa closed her eyes.
"No."
"Vanessa, the lie is over."
She looked down at the stomach beneath her sweater.
May you like
Richard continued.
"Tell him before he discovers why you needed the lie in the first place."
Related Stories
