Chapter 11: Vanessa’s Mistake
Vanessa made her move that evening.
She waited outside Whitmore Tower, hidden behind sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, until Ava exited through the private lobby.
Ava saw her immediately.
Vanessa had always underestimated people who appeared calm.
“Ava,” Vanessa said.
Ava stopped but did not look surprised.
“Vanessa.”
“I think we should talk.”
“No.”
Ava continued walking.
Vanessa hurried after her.
“You can’t just come back and destroy Julian’s company because you’re bitter.”
Ava turned.
The private security guard nearby shifted slightly, ready to step in.
Ava raised one hand, and he stayed back.
“Bitter?” Ava repeated.
Vanessa’s mouth tightened.
“You disappeared. You don’t get to return after five years and act like everyone owes you something.”
Ava studied her.
“You’re afraid.”
Vanessa laughed. “Of you?”
“No. Of what Julian is starting to remember.”
That struck.
Vanessa stepped closer.
“You think those children make you untouchable?”
Ava’s eyes cooled.
“My children are not weapons.”
“No,” Vanessa said. “They’re insurance. That’s why you kept them hidden, isn’t it? Waiting for the right moment to punish him?”
Ava’s voice became quiet.
“I kept them hidden because the Hart family threw me out while I was pregnant and called me a liar. I kept them hidden because your lies nearly cost them everything before they were even born.”
Vanessa’s face changed.
Only slightly.
But enough.
Ava saw it.
“You knew,” Ava said.
Vanessa recovered too late.
“You can’t prove anything.”
Ava’s sadness vanished.
“There it is.”
Vanessa glanced around and noticed, for the first time, the small security camera above the lobby entrance.
Ava stepped closer, her voice low enough that only Vanessa could hear.
“Five years ago, I had no power, no money, and no one willing to listen. Today, I have all three. So when you speak again, choose carefully.”
Vanessa swallowed.
Ava walked past her.
May you like
Behind the glass doors, Henry opened the car.
This time, Vanessa did not laugh.
