“You Almost Married Her?” Millionaire’s Wife Mocked Her—Unaware of Who Just Arrived!
Chapter 7
Vanessa’s name appeared on several financial documents.
But the evidence didn’t immediately prove criminal wrongdoing.
She had received assets.
She had benefited from the transactions.
But the source of her knowledge remained unclear.
Jonathan insisted they proceed carefully.
“We don’t accuse anyone until we know.”
Emily nodded.
They interviewed former employees.
One was an accountant named Daniel Brooks.
He had resigned eight years earlier.
Daniel remembered Laura’s investigation.
“She came to me once.”
“What did she ask?”
“She asked whether the numbers were being manipulated.”
“Were they?”
“Yes.”
“Who ordered it?”
Daniel shook his head.
“I never saw the order.”
“Who benefited?”
He gave them a list.
Several names.
One stood out.
Vanessa.
But another name appeared repeatedly.
Ethan Sterling.
Richard’s younger brother.
Emily didn’t know him well.
He had always been away from the family business.
Jonathan investigated.
Ethan had established several private companies.
Some had received foundation contracts.
Others had purchased properties from the Sterling family.
The financial trail became enormous.
Emily realized something.
This wasn’t one person’s crime.
It was a system.
People had benefited at different levels.
Some knew.
Some didn’t.
Some looked away.
The question wasn’t simply:
“Who is guilty?”
It was:
“Who knew what, and when?”
That was harder.
And more important.
Emily decided to meet Vanessa.
They sat in an upscale café.
Vanessa arrived wearing sunglasses despite being indoors.
“You’ve caused quite a mess.”
Emily remained calm.
“I want answers.”
“You think you’re entitled to them?”
“Yes.”
Vanessa laughed.
“Because of a dead woman?”
Emily’s expression changed.
“Don’t talk about my mother like that.”
Vanessa leaned closer.
“Your mother was obsessed.”
“With what?”
“Money.”
Emily stared.
“That isn’t true.”
“You weren’t there.”
“No.”
Emily paused.
“But you were.”
Vanessa’s smile disappeared.
“Tell me what happened.”
Vanessa looked away.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she whispered:
“Your mother found something.”
“What?”
“She found out the foundation wasn’t the real target.”
Emily leaned forward.
“What was?”
Vanessa’s eyes filled with fear.
“The Sterling family estate.”
Emily frowned.
“What does that mean?”
Vanessa shook her head.
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because they’re still watching.”
“Who?”
Vanessa looked toward the café entrance.
Her face went pale.
Then she whispered:
“Your mother wasn’t investigating the money.”
“She was investigating who owned the money.”
Before Emily could respond, Vanessa stood and left.
Emily followed her gaze.
A man in a dark jacket had been standing outside.
He disappeared into the crowd.
