Chapter 5 - Vanessa’s Fall
Vanessa Hart tried to save herself.
She issued a statement claiming she was an independent consultant who had no knowledge of financial wrongdoing. She told reporters her relationship with Nathaniel was private and unrelated to Everett Capital.
But the documents told another story.
Invoices showed that her firm billed the company for services never provided.
Messages showed Nathaniel approving luxury travel through company accounts.
Audio recordings revealed Vanessa discussing ways to pressure a tenant association into accepting a lower relocation settlement.
Within days, Hart Advisory was raided by investigators.
Vanessa appeared at Nathaniel’s penthouse without warning.
“You have to protect me,” she said.
Nathaniel stood near the window, staring at Manhattan.
“I cannot.”
“You promised me.”
“I promised you what?”
“That Isabelle would never leave you. That she would never expose us.”
Nathaniel turned toward her.
“I was wrong.”
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
“You are not sorry for what you did. You are sorry she was not weak enough to accept it.”
The words cut through him.
Because they were true.
He had not chosen Vanessa because he loved her.
He chose her because she admired him without challenging him.
Isabelle had seen him clearly.
And he had hated the mirror.
Vanessa grabbed her coat.
“She will never forgive you.”
Nathaniel looked at the city lights.
“I know.”
May you like
Then Vanessa left.
This time, Nathaniel did not follow.
