One of Victor’s lawyers opened a folder. “We have proof the alleged affair photos were fabricated. Additionally, records show regular transfers from Mr. Daniel Whitmore to a Vanessa Clarke — rent, medical bills, school tuition.”
The room froze.
“Vanessa?” Isabella whispered.
“And mother of his two-year-old son.”
The truth hit harder than the insults ever had.
Victor’s voice turned icy. “You humiliated my daughter. Now let me show you consequences.”
He informed Harold that their company’s credit line would not be renewed. Eleanor’s charity was under audit. Madison would soon need employment.
“You can’t do this!” Eleanor cried.
“Watch me,” Victor said.
Isabella tore the divorce papers in half. “We’ll settle this in court.”
They left behind chaos.
Inside the armored car, Isabella leaned against her father. “He has a child…”
“We’ll destroy them,” Victor said.
“No,” she replied. “We seek justice. And I want to meet Vanessa.”
They found her in a modest apartment. Vanessa was frightened, defensive.
“He said you’d ruin me,” she whispered.
“He lied to both of us,” Isabella said gently.
Vanessa confessed Daniel had manipulated and threatened her. But another name surfaced: Richard Lawson.