Inside were legal documents.
Financial records.
Photographs.
Bank statements.
Witness interviews.
“You’ll invite Vanessa and her parents here tomorrow evening.”
He looked confused.
“Why?”
“My attorney will be here.”
“So will our family notary.”
“And two investigators.”
His eyebrows drew together.
“Mom…”
“What are you planning?”
I folded my hands.
“I’m giving them one final opportunity…”
“…to lie.”
He remained silent.
“If you simply end the engagement today,” I continued, “Vanessa will spend the next six months on television interviews and social media claiming your wealthy family rejected her because she wasn’t born into money.”
“Half the country will believe her.”
“But…”
I smiled.
“If she grows comfortable…”
“If she thinks she’s still manipulating you…”
“She’ll expose herself.”
“And she’ll do it in front of witnesses.”
Slowly…
Understanding spread across Ethan’s face.
He finally nodded.
“I’ll make the call.”
The following evening, the Mitchell family arrived precisely at seven.
