Chapter 7 - The Woman Who Had Been Helping Vanessa Turned on HerClaire wasn't the only person who came forward.
A week later, another woman contacted me.
Her name was Susan.
She had worked with Vanessa for years.
She brought receipts.
Emails.
Bank statements.
Messages.
Susan had seen Vanessa boasting about the house.
“She said you were going to be gone by Christmas.”
I felt a chill.
It was October.
Vanessa had planned everything.
Susan also revealed that Vanessa had told several friends that Ethan would soon become a millionaire.
She had already promised money.
Trips.
Investments.
Even shares in the new business.
She had been spending my future before she legally owned it.
But the most important evidence was a recording.
Susan had recorded a conversation because Vanessa owed her money.
In the recording, Vanessa said:
“Margaret doesn't understand finances. Ethan just has to keep her calm long enough for us to get the signature.”
My attorney listened twice.
“This is devastating.”
For Vanessa.
For Ethan too.
But the recording proved intent.
The investigation accelerated.
The forged documents were submitted to forensic experts.
The signatures were declared fraudulent.
The bank records established unauthorized transfers.
The fake medical invoices established deception.
The developer backed away.
And suddenly, Vanessa's perfect life began collapsing.
She sold jewelry.
Then furniture.
Then her designer handbags.
She blamed me.
She blamed Ethan.
She blamed everyone except herself.
One evening, she appeared at my house.
“I need to talk.”
I didn't open the door fully.
“What do you want?”
“I want another chance.”
“With what?”
“With Ethan.”
I stared at her.
“You've spent a year trying to destroy him.”
“I love him.”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“You love what you thought he could give you.”
She cried.
“I have nowhere to go.”
I almost felt sorry for her.
Almost.
Then I remembered the night she had taken the chicken from my plate.
“Neither did I,” I said.
May you like
“When you decided I didn't earn my place here.”
I closed the door.
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