Chapter 6
Daniel turned Vanessa toward him without hurting her.
His hand closed around her arm just enough to make her face him.
“Vanessa… what exactly did you put on that screen?”
She looked offended first.
Then trapped.
“Don’t embarrass me.”
Daniel stared.
“That is not an answer.”
Elena watched the exchange from beside Chief Hayes.
She did not interfere.
A lie between spouses should sometimes be allowed to breathe in public.
Vanessa lowered her voice.
“She was going to ruin us.”
Daniel’s expression changed.
“Us?”
That one word opened a crack.
Vanessa heard it and panicked.
“I mean our name. Our reputation.”
Chief Hayes stepped slightly closer.
No accusation.
No final evidence.
Only presence.
The guests around them created a wider circle, leaving Vanessa and Daniel exposed near the pool’s edge.
The Atlantic sunset reflected in the cocktail glass trembling in Vanessa’s hand.
Elena looked toward the pavilion.
Inside, the screen still glowed, but no readable details were shown.
No final financial records.
No complete scheme.
Only the aftermath of Vanessa’s reckless display.
Daniel followed Elena’s gaze.
Then looked back at his wife.
“What did you think would happen after you showed that to everyone?”
May you like
Vanessa whispered, “I thought they would believe me.”
Read the full story 👉 Vanessa admitted more than she meant to when she said Elena was going to ruin them.
