Chapter 5 - Shadows at the Gate
Two days passed, but the tension hanging over the estate did not completely evaporate.
Daniel spent most of his time in his home office, dealing with lawyers and canceling wedding vendors.
Every phone call was an agonizing reminder of how close he had come to ruin.
I was sitting in the conservatory sipping tea when Luis walked in, his expression tight with concern.
"Mrs. Whitmore, there is a black sedan parked near the main gates," Luis reported softly.
"It has been sitting there for over an hour."
"Did you catch the license plate?" I asked, setting my teacup down.
"Yes, ma'am, but it belongs to a rental agency at the airport."
I stood up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the long driveway.
Vanessa was not the type to accept defeat quietly.
When a narcissist's illusion is shattered, they do not hide; they seek revenge.
"Tell security to keep the gates locked, Luis," I instructed.
"And make sure all exterior security cameras are fully operational."
Before Luis could answer, my cell phone buzzed on the glass table.
It was an unknown number.
I pressed answer and placed the phone to my ear without saying a word.
"You think you won, don't you, old woman?" Vanessa’s sharp voice hissed through the speaker.
"You think a little recording and a background check are going to ruin me?"
"You showed your true character, Vanessa," I replied calmly.
"There is nothing left for you here."
"Oh, there is plenty left," she sneered softly.
"Daniel signed a pre-nuptial non-disclosure agreement six months ago regarding my family's private affairs."
"If he breaks off this engagement officially without my consent, my lawyers will file a breach of contract lawsuit tomorrow morning."
"It will bleed your family trust of millions in publicity legal fees alone."
I smiled faintly into the receiver.
May you like
"You clearly didn't read paragraph fourteen of that contract, my dear."
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