Chapter 9 - THE EMERALD PENDANT
The emerald pendant became evidence at 4:41 a.m.
Inside its antique clasp, the collection curator found damage.
Fresh tool marks.
Someone had opened it.
The pendant contained a tiny archival compartment my grandmother used for a folded provenance certificate.
The certificate was gone.
In its place was a microSD card.
I stared at it.
“That wasn’t there before.”
Mateo brought a clean laptop.
The card contained photographs.
Contracts.
Bank screens.
Private emails.
Vanessa had been collecting evidence against Julian.
Not for me.
For herself.
One audio file began with Julian’s voice.
“Once Elena signs the anniversary restructuring, the trust loses veto rights.”
Vanessa answered.
“And if she doesn’t sign?”
Julian laughed.
“She signs what I put in front of her.”
I stopped the recording.
My stomach turned.
Dad said nothing.
Another file showed payments to Martin Sloane.
Another showed Adrian.
Then Vanessa appeared in the doorway of Laurent House.
Security behind her.
No coat.
No smug smile.
She looked exhausted.
“I want immunity.”
Miriam laughed once.
“This isn’t television.”
Vanessa looked at me.
“Then I want protection.”
“From Julian?”
She shook her head.
May you like
“From your uncle.”
