Chapter 8 - The Shadow of the Past
"Your uncle is back," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper.
"Julian?" Daniel asked in complete disbelief.
"He hasn't made contact with us since Dad died!"
"Why now?"
"Because he was waiting for you to get married," I realized, the horrifying truth suddenly clicking into place.
"He knew that once you married, the family trust would be legally restructured to include your spouse."
"If Vanessa had married you, her legal team would have had full access to the trust's internal audit records."
"Vanessa wasn't just a greedy social climber who stumbled into your life, Daniel."
"She was placed in your path."
Daniel sank into a leather armchair, rubbing his temples in utter shock.
"Julian sent her?" Daniel gasped out.
"She targetted the charity gala in Chicago eight months ago," I recalled, my mind retracing every detail.
"She conveniently sat at your table."
"She knew your favorite wine, your father's favorite quotes, and your personal insecurities."
"It wasn't a coincidence, Daniel."
"It was a calculated infiltration."
Before Daniel could respond, Rosa knocked urgently on the study door.
"Mrs. Whitmore! Mr. Daniel!" Rosa called out, her voice filled with panic.
"There are three men in black suits at the front gate!"
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"They say they have a federal court order to audit the estate!"
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